1938 Austin Big 7 Six Light

This Austin Big Seven Six light is as quoted by Project Shop of Bicester that worked on it throughout the current owner’s time with the car “simply the best big 7 we’ve seen”. The car has had a professional restoration of both the body and mechanicals as well as the components. There is some information about the history of the car given in the history file which states the car was first register on 28th September 1938 being sold to a Miss Sims. The car was with her until she sold it in 1956 to a gentleman in the local area of Cheltenham and after only 5 years with the car, he unfortunately passed away in 1966, at which point his son stored the car for an incredible 42 years. After its lifetime of being sat in storage the car was sold in 2008 to the third owner but it wasn’t until 2011 that the car would see its resurrection with an ‘off the chassis’ restoration. Once finished with the bodywork the third owner passed the car on in 2017 to an enthusiast, having finished their initial plan of restoring the body. The fourth owner, who wanted a mechanical project, found the perfect base in the little Austin and got the drivetrain and mechanicals up to better than new condition. Once finished and now seeing the Austin back together and working perfectly the fourth owner sold the car on in 2019. Not much is known about the next owners, and we believe they bought the car to enjoy its pristine condition before selling on. The current owner has done the same thing, being the 7th owner, they have enjoyed the car as it is loving every second of their ownership, having formed quite an emotional bond with the characterful vehicle, loving named Miss Sim’s after its initial owner.

The car comes with a wealth of history including the original bill of sale, the first logbook and a mountain of bills, receipts, invoices, documents and photos. It must be one of the best roadgoing Austin 7’s in the country and will be truly loved by anyone luckily enough to win the auction.

The body underwent a full ‘off the chassis’ restoration in 2011 and as such remains in fantastic shape to this day. There might be the odd mark here and there but nothing outside of expected usage wear and tear as all measures have been taken to ensure the bodywork’s longevity into the future. Finished off in Dark blue paint, its looks have remained true to its period and the theme of conserving its originality is continued throughout the car. The panels are all straight and free from damage, the paintwork is still in great condition also. The lights, and electrical systems have routinely been checked with any parts needing renewal having been replaced or fixed, everything therefore works as it should. The wheels and tyres are both in great condition too with no damage, curbing or corrosion with the tyres having plenty of life left in them as well as being free from cracks in the sidewalls.

The fabric sunroof pulls back easily and the frame around the sunroof is in good condition with no corrosion or damage. Both doors open freely, and the sills and runners are as well free from any corrosion, chips, dents or damage. All the glass around the car looks great with no stone chips or scratches, they all work as intended and the chrome surround on the front screen is free from corrosion too. In summary then the exterior of this car retains its freshly restored state and is set to last a long time into the future.

Step up inside the Austin and the interior trim you’re greeted with is a beautiful blue leather trim with matching carpets. The restoration of the body was believed to have been completed by the third owner who also restored the body. They have done a stella job with the retrim and the interior of the Austin is in a better than new state. There are some nice touches in the interior too with the wicker picnic basket complete with plates and cutlery, there are also throw cushions to add to the level of luxury this classic can afford to give. The carpet is in great condition and the trim all round is free from rips, tears, scuffing, staining or wear. It simply is just a nice place to be which is a triumph considering the age and level of refinement this Austin must have come with from factory back in 1938. All you really need to do is take a look through the photo gallery to see just how good this interior is.

As the car has had an off the chassis restoration, you’d expect the car to be just a straight and clean underneath as it is on top, and you’d be correct in that thinking. Looking underneath the centre hinging bonnet flaps, you’ll see that the engine bay area has been given a good deal of attention with all straight panels freshly repainted in black with no indication of fluid leaks or spillages.

The underside of the body is much the same as the engine bay, there is no signs of any corrosion or damage and the panels and frame have been given plenty of corrosion prevention measures. There’s not a massive amount to see underneath the car but everything you can see is in good working order with the suspension being regularly regreased and, in the past, stripped, cleaned and rebuilt. The brakes are working well with them being regularly serviced and adjusted, even the exhaust system looks to be holding up well. The underside therefore it’s safe to say is just as clean as the rest of the car.

The history file for the Austin is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen; the Austin’s early history is incredibly intact with even the original manufacturer’s warranty still present in the history file. There are documents written up about the original female owner (the ‘careful lady owner’ long being the holy grail of previous owners) as well as MOT certificates from as early as they started in 1960. The history from the middle section of the car’s life when it was cheap to run and was not as rare or special as it is now, is good, showing that the car was well cared for, regularly maintained and used. The history from the past 6-7 years is fully comprehensive with complete documentation of every aspect of the restoration process from two separate owners completing the body and mechanical aspects separately from each other

Some of the invoices and service receipts are summarised below.

• Complete and intensive vehicle check over including all mechanical and electrical systems as well as all pipework and components – Project shop – 14/05/21
• Vehicle safety check and all systems refresh, track rod ends changed, filters changed, engine flushed – Project shop – 09/07/20
• Systems and component refresh, Steering Box and Steering system cleaned out and refilled with correct fluid, Suspension firmed up – Project Shop – 14/01/19
• Vehicle check over, fluid top up – Project Shop – 28/05/19
• Fuel pump, new fuel line and filter and wired into loom – Project Shop – 29/01/19
• Steering check – A.H.Blason & Son – 17/01/19
• Advance spring set – Distributor doctor – 06/02/18
• Direction indicator switch – Stafford Vehicle Components – 30/11/17
• All seals renewed – Calix – 20/02/18
• Mechanical fuel pump – The Seven Workshop – 13/11/17
• Various general maintenance items from various sources – 2017-2012
• Vehicle overhaul and general maintenance – H.G.Baggs LTD – 30/03/61
• New condenser and HT leads - H.G.Baggs LTD – 15/02/60
• MoT test, brakes adjusted, various parts buttoned up - H.G.Baggs LTD – 17/08/62
• New core plugs and refilled radiator, adjust and time carburettor - H.G.Baggs LTD – 28/01/59
• Steering system greased and checked over, engine refresh - H.G.Baggs LTD – 31/05/64
• Thorough and intensive vehicle inspection and fault fixing - H.G.Baggs LTD – 30/06/56
• Gearbox recondition with all parts cleaned and inspected - H.G.Baggs LTD – 01/09/56
• Entire vehicle check-up and various systems stripped, cleaned, inspected and fixed - H.G.Baggs LTD – 1958-1965
• Full carpet set – Coverdale – 16/01/18
• Well-kept notes on mileage, chassis, spark plugs, axels, gearbox oil, engine oil, kept from 1958-1966
• 2017-2018 then new owner then notes continue with new owner, then current owner takes over with notes from the Project Shop

This is an incredibly well restored and kept example with a stunning history file in the best condition these cars be kept in. It starts on the button and runs spectacularly whilst retaining all its originality and heritage from its 84 years since its first registration. It also has an additional level of rarity being a road car when so many of these cars are repurposed for the racetrack or for road rallies. This charming little car is guaranteed to bring joy to all those who drive, own and even see it on the road, a rare chance to own such a high quality piece of automotive history especially this year with celebrations of 100 years of the Austin 7.

Our estimate for this car is £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.