Description
'Numbers Match' may not be so important for an Austin 7, but it's very true in this case, and makes for great conversation.
An older restoration of this delightful yet practical 1929/ 30 'Wydor' RK model with the preferred aluminium body, apart from the late '30's cylinder head and a Bosch distributor update, it's a very original car.
In generally very good order, there's enough details to potter away at improving, like the rear view mirror vibrates, the interior door handle chains are missing, the spare petrol can on the left running board isn't too useable, etc. Also the gear selection sliders are tired, but still work OK. Otherwise the mechanics are all remarkably good, and even the original pattern brakes work remarkably well - by Austin 7 standards.
Since purchase we have sorted a number of mechanical and electrical details to ensure a reliable and practical car - I bought my first Austin 7 in 1962 - but sadly anno domini and health issues mean we're no longer using it. Purchased from the H&H Duxford auction in May 2021, lot 112, we needed the comfort and security of a saloon, to supplement the much used 1929 A7 Chummy we've owned since 1971.
We were delighted to find the 6 original buff Log Books in the history file, including its very first 1930 one. Establishing that its OG 910 ('Oggy') registration is also original, as is its Royal Blue colour. This is all confirmed by its British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, issued in 2010.
The log books and modern V5's establish that it's had 13 previous owners in its 95 years. The first owner a John James Corradine of Edgbaston, the then upmarket area of Birmingham.
We've tabulated all owners and records in the history file onto a spreadsheet, which we're happy to share.
Hopefully its next owner will be able to take it to its 100 year birthday.
