Lot Ended
Description
Amendment: Delightful early Top Hat; lots of early features; very
smart inside and out; current owner 45+ years; from a deceased
estate
Bidders are advised that the V5C quotes a 'car number' instead of
the chassis number - which physically reads 23381 on the car which is correct
for its year of 1926 and is as shown in the Austin Seven Clubs Association
Register. The V5C also erroneously states its engine size as 7,475cc which would
be impressive but is not the case!!
One of the first of the
charismatic 'Top Hat' Austin Saloons, this September 1926 example was
discovered in the Coventry area in the 1970s as a complete wreck and purchased
for £130.
These early cars were the first fully Austin-built saloons
and the cutest of all the Austin Saloons - built from late 1926 until
1927. Later saloons had longer doors (hinged at the front) and lost their
perpendicular lines.
This delightful example has been
comprehensively restored and enjoyed by its late-owner for over 45
years. It was driven to Switzerland in the late 1970s with the family on board,
and has been loved and loved some more over the years. It has spent some of its
life in Northern Ireland, coming back to the UK in 1984.
It has had a
full set of triple stud tyres fitted recently and is smart inside and out,
with just the usual cracks at the base of the screen to show the age of its
restoration. It appears from the file that the engine had new main bearings
fitted in 2010 and a radiator overhaul by Star Engineering in
2007.
Bidders are advised that before he died, the owner removed the
carburettor for refurb. This was taken home and sadly inlcuded with a job
lot of Austin bits that were sold - so the car currently has no carburettor
fitted. A standard bronze updraft should be easy enough to source. The car was
running before its removal and turns over on the handle.
It retains lots
of lovely early Seven features, such as the 6" brakes, smooth dished steering
wheel and single-piece bonnet. The family have taken on a few vehicles from his
collection and sadly this one just isn't getting the use it should - hence its
inclusion in this sale.
Contact [email protected]