1938 Austin Big Seven Forlite Saloon

Description

Wonderfully well-preserved Austin with bags of character; much recent expenditure including new tyres, alternator and flashing indicators; good running order; lots to like!

The Big Seven joined the Austin range in 1938 to fill a gap in the market between the long-running and highly successful Seven and the larger Ten. Actually in the 8hp class, Austin kept the Seven name to cash in on the huge public affection for the 747cc model. A 25bhp cast iron monobloc 885cc engine provided a bit more oomph to carry the larger body, while an extra 6 ½” in the wheelbase allowed for a more roomy cabin.

Available as a four-door ‘Sixlite’ or a two-door ‘Forlite’ saloon, the Big Seven never quite captured the spirit of the charismatic early model but it sold well enough, some 8,000 leaving the Longbridge works before it was replaced by the Austin 8 in 1939.

First registered in Bedfordshire in 1938, this two-door Forlite comes with no early history but it has had just three owners, according to the V5C. Appearing to be delightfully correct and well-preserved with what looks to be a largely original interior, it is showing only 7,300 miles on the odometer but there is insufficient history to warrant this.

Our vendor acquired the car in 2021 to join a small Austin collection, at which point it had been in storage for about 10 years, judging by the MOT history online. He has recommissioned the car, as detailed in invoices on file.

This included having both rear hubs stripped and rebuilt; full service with various new ignition parts; new n/s headlight; new wiper blades; modern alternator; all hub caps rechromed and four new tyres from those good chaps at Longstone. Although the original flashing semaphores still work, he has also had more modern flashing indicators fitted front and rear for safety reasons.  

The vendor states that the car is a delight to drive, with everything working as it should. It has certainly been starting promptly and running sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with healthy oil pressure. Some useful technical literature is also present - handbooks; parts catalogues; period road tests etc.

As you can see in the photos, this Forlite looks utterly charming with bags of character and will attract smiles and waves wherever it goes.

Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com