The Austin 7 has a special place in the hearts of British and vintage car enthusiasts, what was once the most popular car on British roads paved the way for many other manufacturers, allowing their platform to be adopted and motoring to become accessible to the masses.
Available in various shapes, sizes and specifications the Austin 7 is one of the most influential cars to have been built and is very popular with collectors and restorers who specialise in early 20th-century classics.
This Austin 7 Pearl is a rare sight, based on the Ruby platform it offers drivers both a saloon and tourer experience thanks to its folding roof. In current ownership since 2005 the car has spent the majority of its time dry stored, only being on the odd occasion. It benefits from a prior interior retrim and replacement roof which has helped the car survive the notorious British weather.
An ideal restoration project, this Pearl offers a great foundation for recommissioning work to be carried out. Reported to run and drive, with era-typical performance, this is a great opportunity for anyone looking for the opportunity to return a rare, iconic car back to its former glory.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Built 1936
Rare Pearl body
Original logbook present
Current ownership since 2005
Rarely used with a record of only 141 miles being completed since 2006
Invoice for a recent mechanical inspection (not pictured)
THE INTERIOR
Vintage Simplicity
Charming period style
Patina & age-related wear present
Previously retrimmed prior to current ownership
Burgundy vinyl seats in good condition
Matching door cards in good condition
Blemish present to the rear of the folding roof
Patina present on the instrument panel
Dials and instruments reported to be operational
THE EXTERIOR
Charismatic historic appearance
Rare Pearl cabriolet body
Various areas of patina and age-related wear
Appears structurally sound with mainly surface blemishes
Black body colour with contrasting beige roof
The roof was replaced prior to the current ownership
The roof appears in good condition externally with some storage marks
Lights, handles and trims are all present
The underside appears to be in a dry, good condition likely due to lack of use
The car would benefit greatly from body restoration
Patina is present on Wire wheels
THE MECHANICS
Believed to be 858cc four-cylinder engine
No mechanical issues reported
Reported to start and drive without issue
Clean engine bay with no indication of any leaks
Only 141 miles completed since 2006
Inspection is recommended before driving
THE SUMMARY
A rare example of the much loved Austin 7, this Pearl has survived the test of time, benefiting from indoor storage and a prior roof renewal. It isn't concours but looks like a solid foundation for recommissioning to take place. An uncommon opportunity to own an esteemed classic and transform it into the jewel it deserves to be.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1938 Austin 7 Pearl
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.