Lot 128 - 1930 Austin Seven Van

• Part of private collection
• Lovely patina

The Austin Seven was produced from 1922 through to 1939 and nicknamed the 'Baby Austin'. It was one of the most popular cars ever produced and sold equally well abroad. It wiped out most other British small cars and cycle cars of the early 1920's and its effect on the British market was similar to that of the Model T Ford in the USA. Prior to the Austin Seven though, larger cars were the order of the day but the forward thinking of Sir Herbert Austin felt a smaller car would be more popular. Austin put a large amount of his own money into the design and patented many of its innovations. In return for the investment, he was paid a royalty of two guineas on every car sold. Nearly 2,500 cars were made in the first year of production (1923), not as many as hoped, but within a few years the 'big car in miniature' had transformed the fortunes of the Austin Motor Co. and by 1939, when production finally ended, over 290,000 cars and vans had been manufactured.

Built in 1930, this charming Austin painted in brown and cream bodywork, with contrasting black wings and cream wheels, looks delightful from every angle. The simple interior boasts a Smiths speedometer, amperes gauge and black seats. Sign written ‘R.G. Moriarty’, a butcher in Theydon Bois, this utterly charming van even boasts ornamental meats hanging in the back! Believed to have been converted into a van from a standard car, the history file points to plenty of love and attention being given to the car along with a charming picture of one owner posing with this granddaughter and the van outside the butcher’s it is sign written to advertise.

The car is supplied with a UK V5C registration document, owner’s handbook, file of receipts and many past MoT test certificates and tax discs. Whether as a fantastic entry level vehicle to classic motoring or as a promotional vehicle for your business, this little Austin Seven van oozes charm.