1938 Austin 7 Pearl

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Only two previous owners
  • Ideal vintage restoration project 
  • Previously retrimmed interior

THE APPEAL

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.

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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.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1938
  • Make Austin
  • Model Austin 7
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 86,849 Miles
  • Engine size 858
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Caterham
  • Location Surrey
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
19 bids
  • st•••• £7,500 01/06/23
  • te•••• £7,240 01/06/23
  • mo•••• £7,100 01/06/23
  • st•••• £7,000 01/06/23
  • te•••• £6,750 01/06/23
  • mo•••• £6,425 01/06/23
  • te•••• £6,200 01/06/23
  • ra•••• £6,000 01/06/23
  • Da•••• £5,600 01/06/23
  • ra•••• £5,500 01/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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