‘This is motoring at its most simple – no heater, no locks’

1932 Austin Seven RN Long Base Steve and Maggie Parkin, Northants

This is our Austin Seven RN, called Harvey. It is one of the first Long Base models and dates from April 1932.

Although a De Luxe version, it still represents motoring at its most simple, as there's no heater, no door or ignition locks, and a gravity fed fuel system.

Back in 1965 my first car was an A7 Special that required rebuilding before I could take Maggie around the countryside in it. The Seven’s simplicity enabled me to quickly learn basic mechanics.

We have owned Harvey for almost two years now and we are enjoying turning back the clock on our motoring. I have concentrated on getting the Seven’s cable brakes working effectively, improving the shock absorbers and restoring the paintwork.