1927 Austin 7

I acquired this Chummy in September 2019 having purchased it at a Brightwells auction.

Although no warranty is implied or given, I can confidently say that the car is in very good condition and is surely one of the best currently available on the market.

As the Chummy came with just its V5 and no other information I quote from the listing in the 2019 auction catalogue:

"Designed as a 'big car in miniature', the Austin 7 offered excellent performance, reliability and big car comfort at a proce that the working man could afford.

"By 1927 the car was in its prime and for many, this period represents the pinnacle of 'cuteness', retaining scuttle-mounted lights, gate gearchange, dainty wings and the magneto engine. They were also lighter than the later models, the taller 4. 9:1 back axle ensuring that a well driven 'Chummy' performs better than the later heavier cars maintaining a genuine 45-50mph on the open road.

"This pristine example was purchase by the vendor as a project some years ago, the restoration having been recently completed. The timing was not ideal, as its conclusion coincided with the acquisition of a fabulously original 1925 Chummy, hence the reason this slightly later car is on offer today.

"The car was completely stripped, the chassis prepared and ther rear axle stripped and rebuilt. The front axle was sent away to have its axle eyes shrunk back to standard and new king pins and brakes fitted throughout - including fresh cables.

"The engine was sent to Quarry engineering who rebuilt it with new white-metal and bearings and the body was carefully restored with new floors and a subsequent retrim in black vinyl and smart maroon carpets. The car also sports a new hood and hood bag.

"Sitting on correct 19" wheels, the only thing it has not had since the work was finished is a comprehensive shake-down, so its lucky new owner will simply have to plan multiple journeys to the pub - what a shame..."

After it came into my hands I carried out further works to commission the car for the road, including fitting a refurbished dynamo from Vince Leek, and obtaining a suitable replacement for the then-incorrect speedometer. I fitted a fuel filter and LED headlamp bulbs (which are superb) and extended the platform for the driver's seat so that I could comfortably fit my 6'3" frame.

Everything I found accorded with the description in the auction catalogue.

We attended the Austin Seven Centenary at Moreton-in-Marsh in 2022 and the Chummy went up Prescott during the demo runs for the Austin Seven Festival. A discreet badge on the dashboard marks the participation. The Chummy was also invited to join the A7 centenary celebration at the Goodwood Revival and took part in the daily track runs over that weekend - an amazing experience.

Today the car starts on the button, drives exceedingly well, pulling strongly in all gears, especially top. Brakes are as you would expect and steering is suitably precise. Purists please note - the hood frame is from a pram-hood model and for an unknown reason the previous owner fitted the headlights directly to the scuttle rather than the window frame.

Paintwork is generally very good, there is no rust. Trim is very good. There is an very good set of sidescreens (front ones have discoloured acetate).

The car has always been garaged while in my ownership and only used sparingly.

Whoever buys the car must promise that on 3rd June 2027 they will have a suitable celebration to mark WB9364's own centenary!