Austin Seven Tourer

Key facts

Year

1923
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

747cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Side valve
Output

10.5bhp at 2,400rpm
Performance

50mph
Price new

£165
Loaned by

Private Owner
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 turn around 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.