1935 Austin Seven Ruby

For years in the 1920s and 1930s the tiny Austin Seven was a best-selling little car. It set every standard of small packaging, it seemed cheeky, simple, and promised low cost motoring. In many ways, it was similar to tgood with only light usage marks visible.

he Mini which followed decades later. Initially on sale £165, (in the UK only the mass produced Ford Model T was cheaper,) so it provided unbeatable value for money.

Austin sold tens of thousands of these little cars every year. At first the tiny 747cc engine produced a mere 10.5bhp but this increased gradually over the years, culminating at 17bhp in the mid-1930s, by this time an Austin Seven could reach more than 50mph.

At its peak, which lasted for more than a decade, well over 20,000 cars were being sold every year. In later life the engine found further use in Reliant three wheelers, and a passion for racing, encouraged by the 750 MC, saw power outputs pushed up to extraordinary levels.

This delightfully original Austin Seven Ruby was first registered in 1935, it retains its original 'buff' logbook, original colours and registration mark. AYC 463 is great fun on the road and is a real pleasure to drive, the narrow cabin creates a cosy if confined driving enviroment, complete with the familiar seven driving controls which are all in perfect working order. The engine fires up eagerly from cold with no nasty noises and soon settles to a steady tickover.

We are informed by the vendor that this particular little Seven is in superb condition throughout, to drive this car is to recapture a lost world when the Austin logo was well respected. The interior was subject to a quality re-trim a few years ago and really sets the car off beautifully. The vendor informs us of a good history file with the car that outlines work that has been carried out over the years. Stylish simplicity was the Seven design mantra, surely this will be a great investment that can only appreciate in value or become a low mileage show stopper.