1930 Austin 7 RL Saloon
Vintage Austin Seven saloons are quite rare now because they are lightly constructed, and many succumbed to terrible abuse and overloading at a time when they were only worth the proverbial “fiver”. They were also expensive to restore in saloon form, and therefore most of these very attractive little cars soon became the basis of a 750 special-even before the second world war.
UR 8273 is one of these rare survivors, being first licenced in London on 12 December 1930 and fitted then as now with the RL-type four seater saloon bodywork, with 1930 pattern wings and short scuttle. These early “box” saloons are very different from the post 1932 long chassis models (the RN etc), being considerably lighter and a great deal more delicate in appearance. By 1930, most of the desirable updates to the seven chassis had been carried out, including larger, coupled brakes, and magneto ignition, but the three speed gearbox and short 6 ft 3 inch chassis were still retained.
UR 8273 is accompanied by an interesting history file, including a splendid series of photographs from earlier decades. The car lived for many years in Essex, but was acquired some five years ago by a Worcestershire enthusiast who has used the car locally and maintained it in its present wonderful mellow condition, but the car is currently not taxed or MoT’d and is under a SORN.
However this vintage-eligible and eminently useable Seven is in very sound order, and extremely attractive with its patinated cherry red paintwork and is ready to use without any major expenditure.
