1929 AUSTIN 7 FABRIC SALOON

This Austin Seven Fabric Saloon is a charming example of the vintage British runabout, presented in good order, and ready to enjoy on spirited weekend jaunts. Under the bonnet is a 747cc inline-four, coupled to a three-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 3,203 miles, but is inoperative, and has displayed this total since at least 2007.

The date of first registration is recorded as 10 January 1929, though an old tax disc with the car indicates that it was on the road earlier than this. The current DVLA data also shows five previous registered keepers, before the vendor acquired this classic in May 2016. Bidders should note that the correct chassis number is 73928, though DVLA’s records show it as M74057 because this number is seen on a stamping below the cylinder head - an administrative error that dates back decades.

Today, its bodywork still presents well, with gloss black paint over the bonnet and side runners - the latter being slightly cracked and crazed down the flanks. Its fabric covering has evidently been renewed in the past, and has an appealing ‘weathered’ appearance. The fixtures and fittings are in good order, and there are wonderful period features such as the bonnet-mounted calorimeter temperature gauge still in place. The wire wheels present well, and there is a spare mounted at the back.

Inside, the brown vinyl upholstery is not original, but is obviously an older re-trim as it has some visible wear, and a split in the driver’s seat bolster. Overall, it still looks smart, and perfectly usable for fun trips to the pub or classic car events where and when restrictions allow. There is handsome patina across the interior fittings and on the main controls and switches, and no recorded faults.

The vendor notes that it has been subject of regular maintenance during his ownership, with annual service work in 2020, 2019 and 2018. A new starter system has also been recently installed. Invoices in the file also show that it received a new radiator in 2005, and a new Zenith carburettor in 2004. It is exempt from mandatory MOT testing on the basis of age, with the last inspection being from March 2012, when it passed with no advisories or defects.

This Austin 7 Fabric Saloon is a wonderful vintage car, presented in a handsome period-correct colour scheme, and retaining some superb original features. For someone who fancies sampling the early days of motoring with one of the most popular cars of its era, this Austin would make an eye-catching addition to any collection, and is ready to take out and enjoy at a leisurely pace, transporting its next owner back to the roaring twenties.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.