1933 Austin Seven Type 65 "Nippy" barn find

In the early 1920's Sir Herbert Austin was convinced the future lay with smaller cars so, using his own money, he set about designing what was to become the Austin Seven. It turned out to be a huge success. Production started in 1922 and by the time it stopped in 1939 some 290,00 Sevens had been built. Unlike the Model T Ford the Austin Seven had a 'conventional' layout as far as the pedals and gear lever were concerned. By 1923 it had a 747.5 cc engine and a four speed gearbox which resulted in the little Nippy being suprisingly .. well .. 'Nippy' ! It also became the basis of a variety of 'Specials' that went racing.

The Nippy was introduced into the range to bridge the gap between the Super Sport and Ulster models of the 1928-32 era - giving a lighter more sporting machine than the "Open Road Tourers" but without the potential 'stress' of the pressure fed or Super Charged engines of the more refined racing machinary. The later Type 75 Speedy and then the Grasshopper models took the refinements even further and gave the humble Seven a sporting career that ranged from sporting trails, through the Le Mans 24 hours and all kinds of events at Brooklands through to Grand Prix and Voiturette events. Quite something for a design that was born on Herbert Austin's Billiard Table at Lickey Grange!

This Barn Find Austin Seven "Nippy" was fitted at some time in its past with the more powerful 10 hp 993cc Ford Model Y/8 engine and 'box, but it will come to the sale with a correct Austin Seven engine and gear box for anyone who wishes to undertake the relatively simple task of putting it back to "correct" specification.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a sensibly priced classic that is great fun, easy to drive, cheap to run and has an enthusiatic following.