Description

1934 Austin 7 RP Saloon

Last of the 'Box' saloons; fresh from a 5-year ground-up restoration by a qualified automobile engineer; utterly charming

Launched in 1922, the Austin Seven was an unprecedented success that not only saved Austin but wiped out most other small cars and cyclecars of the era. Occupying barely more tarmac than a motorcycle and sidecar, it still had all the comforts of a family saloon and boasted such luxuries as four-wheel drum brakes and (from 1924) an electric starter.

Built around an A-frame chassis, it was powered by a 13bhp 747cc four-cylinder side-valve engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Later models were tweaked to produce a heady 17bhp and four-speeds made a welcome appearance in 1932. Suspension was by a transverse-leaf spring at the front and quarter-elliptics to the rear. Available in numerous different body styles, it remained in production until 1939. Tough, easy to maintain and huge fun to drive, it has long been the backbone of the pre-war car movement.

A diminutive saloon version first appeared in 1926 and was known as the R-Type, nicknamed the 'Top Hat'. The car developed rapidly, from the RK which had longer doors to the RP, the last of the traditional chrome radiator models prior to the introduction of the new, rather more bulbous Ruby in August 1934.

This RP therefore retains much of the charm of the original saloon, yet incorporates many of the later developments such as the four-speed gearbox, more powerful engine, rear-mounted spare wheel and fuel tank and semaphore indicators. First registered in Birmingham in March 1934, it appears to have spent its whole life in the Midlands, a buff logbook indicating that it has been resident in Warwickshire since 1957.

We are told that it has recently emerged from a 5-year ground-up restoration by a qualified automobile engineer. Although there are no bills to document the work carried out, the car speaks for itself and looks to be in lovely condition, both above and below.

Fitted with a new set of plugs, a new battery and a reconditioned carburettor shortly before the auction (invoices on file), it is an utterly charming little car that will win friends wherever it goes.

Documents: V5C; buff logbook; recent invoices

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com