Description

1937 Austin Big Seven

Easy project which was last up and running in 2014; recent tyres still with pips on; engine free; how hard can it be?

On 13th July 1937 Lord Austin made a speech to the general press introducing the new Four-Door Austin Big 7, launched to fill a perceived gap in the market between the Austin Seven and Ten horsepower models.

A more robust cast iron monobloc engine of 885cc provided a bit more oomph to carry the increased burden of four-doors, an extra 6 ½” of wheelbase and much more besides. The plan all along had been to soften the market to the idea of the Seven ceasing production in favour of a new, wider Big 7 range. A year later, the Two-Door Forlite Saloon was made available from March onwards and later that year the announcement regarding the demise of the hitherto immortal Seven was made.

This project Big 7 was acquired by the vendor as a lockdown exercise, although a sportier Austin Ulster replica has subsequently come his way hence its inclusion in the sale today.

It was last driven in 2014 and was clearly taken off the road then for some restoration works, but not before it was fitted with four new Waymaster 500 16" tyres and tubes from Longstone tyres (£432).

It has its current V5C as well as a continuation buff logbook dating back to 1955, showing it spent its earlier years in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Other than that there is not much more we can tell you - it looks largely complete and offers an interesting and straightforward restoration project. The engine is free and the bodywork looks relatively solid.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com