1931 Austin Seven

This Austin 7 was produced in the United Kingdom from 1923 until 1939 and was very popular with approximately 290,000 examples produced. The idea of Sir Herbert Austin, they were utilitarian, conservative, and economical means of transportation initially powered by a side-valve engine of 696cc (55mm x 77mm) with a RAC rating of 7.2 horsepower. The cast cylinder block had a detachable head and was mounted on an aluminum crankcase. The crankshaft used splash lubrication, and one roller and two ball bearings (in 1936 it was changed to three). Cooling was by thermosiphon, without a water pump, and the dynamo was driven from the timing gears. The chassis was an 'A' frame design with the transmission being a three-speed unit. The wheelbase measured 75 inches, the track of 40 inches, and the overall weight of 795 pounds.

During its first year of production in 1923, nearly 2,500 examples were built. They were manufactured under license in Germany, France, Japan, and America.

From March of 1923, the engine bore was increased to 56mm resulting in a displacement of 747cc and horsepower of 10.5 hp.

Along with the standard Seven bodies, many examples received custom coachwork with many Austin Seven specials built for racing. They were a key element in the foundation of Jaguar as Sir William Lyons and William Walmsley worked together at Swallow Sidecar, making motorbike sidecars and coach-built Austin Seven bodies. Among the list of other coachbuilders who clothed the Seven include Maythorn and Sons, H. Taylor & Co. of London, and Gordon England.

Newspapers called the Austin Seven, 'Motoring for the Million' and the 'first civilized motor car of really small size'.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020