Austin Seven Ruby

ENGINE 1962cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 120bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 115lb ft @4200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph 0-60MPH 11sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-34mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 33,728 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This LHD example was imported from Japan and registered in September 1993. The Bosch injection engine doesn’t hesitate at start-up and delivers instant smooth running. The auto gearbox selects without drama, although kick down is required for rapid progress. The S4’s power steering also works just a Milan intended, with a progressive feel and no slop or vagueness. The all-round disc brakes pull the car up straight and the suspension, set up to deilver a comfortable ride, doesn’t produce any unwanted noises, even on the roughest of surfaces. The Spider was never the sportiest roadster, even in manual form, but this S4 version doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a cruiser.

BODYWORK CHECK

The deep green paint’s finish is hard to fault. The tiny scuff on the offside front of the nose section looks like it might polish out, but there is a touched-in area on the offside door and the nearside door edge has sustained a tiny chip. The offside door handle is slightly pitted, but the original canvas roof still looks new. The five-spoke alloy wheels are unmarked and don’t show any signs of being kerbed by previous owners. It’s also worth noting the front number plate, which is smaller than the ones fitted as standard to S4s.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The door cards, dash panels and comfortable half leather/ Alcantara seats are blemishfree and the original leatherbound steering wheel has been replaced by an aftermarket Nardi Torino. All the dials and gauges – including the clock – operate correctly, but the offside electric window is a bit lazy in operation. The air conditioning works, but could really do with being colder, so may need a re-gas. The trim and carpets have suffered only minimal wear but the driver’s door trim capping needs resecuring at the forward edge.

UNDER THE BONNET

There are no fluid leaks and most of the detailing work has already been done. The original factory Italian stickers are joined by several in Japanese. The history file is a little thin but confirms that the car entered the UK via the Osaka-based Unique Company Ltd. A UK V5 document, plus plenty of import paperwork and a workshop inspection, service and MoT will be included before the car is sold.

THE CCW VIEW

Being a left-hooker may put some buyers off, but the selfshifting gearbox makes it a lot easier to live with here in the UK. The S4 was described in period as ‘a classic beauty in the modern age’. Technology may have improved the driving experience of what was at the time a 30-year old design, but visually it remains every inch an elegant Alfa Spider. This car presents very well overall and is more than capable of being used as an everyday classic.

EXTERIOR

Super paint Perfect hood

INTERIOR

Unblemished leather and Alcantara

MECHANICALS

Efficient cruiser Drama-free road manners