History of Austin

Sir Herbert AUSTIN, later Lord AUSTIN, was responsible for the original design of the Austin Seven.

The detail and later design was done to a large extent by Stanley EDGE who in later years recounted fond memories of his time at the 'Austin' at Longbridge.

The Austin Seven was introduced in 1922 the public were sceptical about this first proper miniature large car as opposed to the unreliable cycle cars that were available back then.

It was not only a proper car it was made out of the best materials and steels used in the large Austin cars.

In 1939, about 290,000 Austin 7's were in being used around the world, together with 20,000 Big Sevens.

The design was patented to other manufacturers and was used in France as the Rosengart, used in Germany as the Dixi, which became the first B.M.W car, and in the USA as the American Austin later the Bantam.

In all of its forms, the non stoppable Seven provided tramfare motoring for the new generation of car owners, often used in the most arduous of conditions imaginable.

Sports and racing versions successfully competed against larger and more costly machinery both on the track and off road trials.

After years of untiring service however, many Sevens failed the 'ten year test' of the early sixties, but around 7,000 cars have survived worldwide and remain as a significant sector in today's 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.

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