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 The
Austin Seven was introduced to a sceptical public in 1922, the first
proper large car 'in miniature' as opposed to the crude and unreliable
cyclecars then available. It was not only a real car it was made
out of the first class materials and steels used in large Austins.
By 1939, some 290,000 sevens were in service throughout
the world, together with 20,000 Big Sevens. The design was licensed
to other manufacturers and was produced in France as the Rosengart,
in Germany as the Dixi, which became B.M.W's first car, and in the
USA as the American Austin later the Bantam.
In all of its forms, the immortal Seven provided
tramfare motoring for the new generation of car owning public the
world over, often operating in the most arduous of conditions imaginable.
Sports and racing versions successfully competed against larger
and more costly machinery both on the track and in off road trials.
After years of untiring service however, many Sevens
succumbed to the rigours of the 'ten year test' of the early sixties,
but around 7,000 cars have survived worldwide and remain as a significant
sector in todays interest in preserved transport. This tough little
car continues to give amazing service and enjoyment to yet another
generation, whether for simple touring trips or just pottering about
on a summers day.
Sir Herbert Austin, later Lord Austin, was responsible
for the original design of the Seven. The detail and later design
was done to a large extent by Stanley Edge (pictured) who in later
years recounted fond memories of his time at the 'Austin' at Longbridge.
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The little friend of all the world.
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