Footnotes

• Despite, or perhaps because of, its simplicity, the Austin Seven was a huge success from the moment deliveries commenced in January 1923 and would come to dominate the light car market in Britain. In essence the Seven changed little in the course of its sixteen-year production life, retaining the 'A'-frame chassis, transverse front springing, rear quarter elliptics and four-cylinder sidevalve engine to the end. Introduced in 1934, the Ruby marked an important step in the development of Austin's ever-popular light car. The new body styles featured flowing lines, valanced wings and taller, cowled-in radiators; the wheel size was reduced from 19" to 17" diameter, flush-fitting self-cancelling trafficators were fitted and synchromesh was now present on second as well as third and top gears. Alongside the two Ruby saloons in the new-for-1935 range were the Pearl Cabriolet (the most expensive model at £128), the Opal two-seater (the first £100 Austin) and the Open Road Tourer.
  Acquired by the current vendor around five years ago, this relatively rare Pearl Cabriolet is believed to have undergone a full 'chassis upwards' rebuild in the late 1980s. The chassis and coachwork are sound and not corroded while the Rexine interior is very good and the convertible hood likewise. 'AOY 638' appears to run very well and will have been driven over 40 miles to get to the sale. It was MoT'd recently (in June 2009) when the only work required was the replacement of a brake cable. Benefiting from a new battery, the car is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to June 2010 and Swansea V5 registration document.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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