Austin Seven motor car, 1922.

Austin Seven hp motor car, 1922.

Austin Seven motor car, 1922. This car was one of the first six prototypes for the 350,000 Austin Sevens that were subsequently produced. Designed by Sir Herbert Austin (1866-1941) assisted by Stanley Edge, the Seven, or Baby Austin, was a true car in miniature rather than a cycle car designed on motorcycle lines, as many of its predecessors had been. It was aimed, like the Ford Model T before it, at those who had never been able to afford a car before. Its specification included a normal four-wheel chassis with leaf springing, a four-cylinder 747 cc water-cooled engine, three-speed and reverse gearbox, four-wheel brakes and an open four-seater body. It was capable of speeds up to 50 mph, and could cover 45 miles on a single gallon of petrol. The car was such a success that it rapidly took the lead in the market for cheap motoring, killing of the cycle car and seriously damaging sales of the alternative, the motor cycle and sidecar. The Austin Seven was produced at Longbridge in a number of models includin