Description
Popularly known as the “Chummy” it is a well-established fact that many couples in the mid 1920’s chose to have a “baby” Austin rather than a baby of their own. In 1923 this car cost £165. In 1923 the handbook had this to say:
“The Austin 7 seats 2 Adults and 3 small children, or if children are not carried, a large space is available for luggage. This little car can be run for about a (1d) penny a mile. It is an ideal car for a woman to use herself, enabling her to do the shopping without fatigue, to visit her friends more frequently and attend social and recreative functions. The Austin 7 also serves as a tender for the country house, enabling a servant to go down to the village or post.”
The Austin 7 was an immediate success.
First registered in April 1927, this chummy was originally silver & black until 1967 when it was changed in colour to blue & black. The registration CJ9839 is linked to the 750 Motor Club. In 1977 it took part in the re-run of the 1924 RAC Reliability Trail, Northern Route. Llandrindod Wells via Bala with ascents of Bwlch-y-Groes & Gibbets Hill.
Acquired by the current family in October 1988 with 2 previous owners, this example has been sparingly used through summers purely for enjoyment and has been maintained in the majority by its very sympathetic owner. During the winter months, it has been stored in outbuildings with a constant heat source present and packed full of blankets, as well as fluids being drained before any layups.
The car was put into hibernation in 2016 due to the very unfortunate passing of the owner. Since that time it was occasionally started and lubricated. The car is now offered for sale in order to fund the restoration of other cars and in aid of charity.
The car has recently been transported to Haynes Heritage Engineering (the museum’s workshop) in Somerset for a general health check and basic recommission. A copy of the invoice is available but in short, work was carried out to ensure the car could be started safely and be driven confidently with fresh fluids, battery and some minor repair work.
Since this work, the car has been stored at Haynes and has been started, driven and maintained occasionally by the technicians.
The car itself is a very honest and original example, carrying the vast majority of its tell-tale factory original parts.
Some bodywork may want attention in areas as the paintwork is cracked, but there is no drastic rot or damage and can be enjoyed in its current state with some mechanical sympathy. The car starts well and drives smoothly once the correct settings and adjustments have been made. It appears to be on its original carburetor and it is noted that many had a slightly improved option fitted as these can be a little temperamental – that said, once the knack is down, this little Austin is very useable as is. The interior is in good order but carries a great deal of patina, with the odd tear and mark here and there but nothing that detracts from the car’s charm. The hood is in good condition considering its age and design.
Under the bonnet, the engine appears to be the original unit and doesn’t appear to have any major leaks or concerns. While at Haynes, it required very little in order to fire up, even after storage. The sump gasket seal has been renewed but is temperamental so should be monitored. The oil strainer has been removed and cleaned, although it should be noted that it was very clean prior to work commencing too.
The car has not been MOT’d or fully commissioned so it is not sold as a fully road-worthy car and comes with no warranty – we would expect the buyer to understand that a car of this age will need some mechanical knowledge, sympathy and ongoing maintenance.
The car is being sold privately by the owner but is available to view at Haynes' Workshop in Somerset. The staff are able to answer some questions but this must be done via a pre booked appointment arranged with the seller.
