Description
1938 AUSTIN BIG SEVEN FORELITE SALOON
Chassis number: C/ RW 9887
Registration number: JMC120
Ruggedly built, economical, and easily maintained by the home mechanic, the Austin Seven brought motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street. A huge success from the moment deliveries commenced in January 1923, the Seven remained in production until 1939. Its introduction helped save the ailing Austin concern, and by the mid-1920s the Seven dominated the light car market in Britain. The sole version available when production commenced was the 'Chummy' tourer, but by 1927, saloon, fabric saloon, and coupé versions were on offer. A stronger, lengthened (81" wheelbase) chassis was standardised from 1932, and the Seven range received a much-needed four-speed gearbox the following year, a rear-mounted fuel tank and mechanical pump being adopted at the same time.
In 1938 the Big Seven joined the range, the new model filling a perceived gap between the Seven and the Ten. The newcomer's four-door, six-light saloon body offered greater spaciousness than before and featured 'modern' styling touches in the form of a smoothly swept tail enclosing the spare wheel, and an absence of running boards. A new 8hp (900cc) sidevalve engine producing 25bhp ensured that the weightier coachwork did not impose any performance penalty, while Girling rod-operated brakes and all-round hydraulic shock absorbers improved the road manners. The Big Seven was superseded by the redesigned and restyled Eight in 1939.
Boasting the Forlite model's two-door coachwork, this Big Seven has been meticulously restored to show standards & is in perfect condition. The car is finished in an unmarked jaunty Pillar box red colour scheme with black wings; a look that suits it admirably. To the interior is maroon leather with red carpets all in brand new condition.
All mechanical components have been stripped & refurbished as required to as new standards. 1347 Miles have been covered since the restoration. The car is being sold to due to the advancing age of the elderly owners; true austin afficionados who also own a nippy. The story convinues under the bonnet with the rebuilt engine being detailed to show standards.
The car drives beautifully with decent B road performance from the 25hp 900cc engine mated to the latest of the time 4 speed gear box. New tyres are fitted all round including the boot mounted spare.
To sum up: A fully restored car needing nothing & ready for immediate use & summer shows with room for four people.
