The Austin 7 has been described as Britain’s equivalent of the Model T Ford – like the Model T it brought car ownership to the masses together with the promise of the freedom of the open road.

Introduced in 1922, and in response to the impending bankruptcy of his company, Herbert Austin determined that there would be a future in motor car manufacturing with the introduction of a small, inexpensive but ‘proper’ car, which was affordable to a middle-class market. Vehicle manufacture at the time was pretty much limited to large, expensive automobiles or small, rudimentary cycle cars.

Sales began in 1923, the car having a diminutive 4-cylinder, sidevalve engine;3-speed gearbox and basic braking system. Over time and as sales picked up, there were mechanical and performance improvements and the 7 was produced in a number of different body styles – 2 & 4-seater open Tourer; saloon; Sports; cabriolet and van. Such was its widely-recognised suitability that it was manufactured under licence all over the globe – France; Germany; America and Japan.

The Austin 7 remained in production in its home country until the beginning of the Second World War in 1939, by which time well over a quarter of a million had been built. The model can also lay claim to being the first mass-market car to be fitted with what is now the conventional pedal control layout.

We have no history for this ‘Chummy’ up until 2003 when, clearly as the end result of an extensive restoration, it was registered for road use in the UK – with a ‘declared manufactured’ date of 1928. We have a small number of photos of the restoration in progress and the car was subsequently maintained in a fully roadworthy condition, as we have MOT certificates through to 2011. In 2012, it was purchased by a Jersey-based enthusiast owner, imported and re-registered in the island. With one further owner in Jersey, the car has received limited use but been kept in excellent condition.