Cash-free Classics
Britain’s first mass-market car is as popular today as it was when new, and a good supply means you won’t have to wait for one (or two) to come along
Austin Seven
Herbert Austin’s motor for the masses has never really gone away. A nigh-on 20-year production run meant that plenty of shiny new models occupied the driveways of the suburbs.
Many might have been scrapped, but after the war the 7 – in all forms – went through something of a renaissance as the nation got back on its feet. Many that then went back on the road are still with us today – restored, modified or, in some cases, still patched up and going.
Popular as daily runarounds
(if it was good enough to be used every day when new it certainly is today) but also eligible for different types of motor sport, it’s easy to see the 7’s appeal. Spares support is good and there are plenty of clubs, both national and regional, as well as specialists to help keep yours healthy and reliable. And it won’t take up much room in the garage.
Some say the earlier cars’ VSCC eligibility has driven prices upwards: such an idea is debatable, but what is clear is that the 7 has a seriously loyal following and that means when you come to sell, you shouldn’t have too much trouble moving one on. However, with some 7s having been around for almost an entire century, it’s important to ascertain the car’s history – what work has been done, and to how high a standard?
An Austin 7 that’s been fastidiously maintained and restored to a high standard is almost certainly a cashfree classic – one that’s been messed around with or not put back together properly, not so much…
ENGINE 747cc/4-cyl/SV POWER 10.5bhp@2400rpm TORQUE 20lb ft@5000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 55mph 0-50MPH 25sec
FUEL CONSUMPTION 35-40mpg GEARBOX RWD, three-speed or four-speed manual