Immortal Austin Seven

DAVID MORGAN, Veloce, £74.99, ISBN 978 1 845849 79 5

According to an Austin Seven owner of our acquaintance, this book isn’t without its errors. As evidence, he cites the introduction of coupled brakes with the launch of the longer-wheelbase Sevens: they were separate developments, he says, not linked as is suggested here. And his ire was stirred by several errors of spelling.

Looking at the bigger picture, however, there is much to enjoy in this extensive history of the Seven, which covers not only the years it was in production but its post-war racing history and service as the basis of many a ‘Special’. The influence of the 750 Motor Club, founded in 1939, ensures that it has its own chapter (‘…but the early days of 750 racing are covered very lightly,’ fulminates our Seven owner).

Perhaps the biggest joy to be had is in the variety of digressions and eclectic photographs that pepper this book’s 230 pages. There’s a brilliant chapter, for example, on other kinds of machines that were powered by Seven engines: the Flying Flea aircraft, motorboats, garden tractors, and even a Wickham railcar conversion. And almost every page seems to throw up another fascinating archive pic; the photo of an abandoned Austin Military Tourer, stripped and disabled, on the beach at Dunkirk in 1940 is especially poignant.

Overall, the book is handsomely produced, with very clear and readable text; and what at first thought might appear a failing – the slightly ‘stream of consciousness’ approach to the format – is also part of its charm. Not everyone may agree but we liked this book very much, its £75 asking price notwithstanding. MD