Austin Seven Tourer

Key facts

Year

1928
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

747cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Side valve
Output

10.5bhp at 2,400rpm
Performance

50mph
Price new

£125
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Austin Motor Co. Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham

One of the most significant British cars. Introduced in 1922, the mass produced Baby Austin combined big car features with a low price and soon became a best seller. In just a few years the Austin Seven changed the face of British motoring and the fortunes of the Austin Motor Company. This car is a tourer or Chummy model.

In 1919 Austin began a one model policy based around the large 3,610cc Twenty. This quickly brought the company to the edge of ruin. The launch of the Seven and the mid-size Twelve began a turnaround in the company’s fortunes. The Seven revolutionised family motoring in Britain, providing a four-wheeled alternative to modestly priced motorcycle and side-car combinations. Austin soon became a motor industry giant and 290,944 Sevens were built between 1923 and 1939.