Registration No: BKM 703
Chassis No: 200931
MOT: Exempt

• Genuine Van with correct body numbers, which was supplied new to Maidstone Corporation
• Resided in current ownership since 1978
• Comprehensively restored between 1990 and 1996 and still presents very nicely
• Entered from a small collection of Austin Sevens

The success of the Austin Seven saloon and tourer meant a commercial version was soon available in the form of the light delivery van. Introduced in 1923, original examples featured coachwork by Thomas Startin of Birmingham and came fully equipped with CAV electrics and a self-starter for the price of £180. Original Vans are few and far between now, with many cars having subsequently been converted into vans over the years. A sought-after derivative of the ubiquitous Seven due to its rarity and practicality for shows and events, an Austin Seven Van offers owners a delightful insight into a bygone era when small truly was beautiful.

Chassis number 200931 was manufactured in 1934 as a Seven Van with body number AVH4202 and was supplied new to Maidstone Corporation being registered by Kent Country Council on the 26^th of November that year as ‘BKM 703’. The second owners are understood to have been a plumbing firm based in Tunbridge Wells. Purchased as a full restoration project by the vendor in 1978 to enter his small collection of Austin Sevens, the restoration began in 1990. Provided with a comprehensive restoration, the woodwork was fully renewed (with the late coachbuilder John Heath using the vendor's finished woodwork for patterns for his well-regarded vans), the bodywork was restored and finished in the guise of the plumbing firm, the mechanicals overhauled throughout, and the interior refreshed, with the restoration concluding in 1996.

Sadly damaged while on a trailer en route to an event in 1997 (and subsequently declared as a Category D insurance loss), the late specialist John Heath re-restored the bodywork. Covering around 500 miles a year since the completion of the restoration, the Seven Van has been serviced annually. Further improved in 2022, when the gearbox was provided a full overhaul, the engine was also decoked and valves ground, with new head gasket and new spark plugs, as well as new steering arm fitted. An attendee at numerous rallies including the Austin Seven centenary in 2022, the Van started readily and ran well during our photography session. Rated by the vendor as ‘very good’ regarding bodywork, paintwork, engine, electrical equipment, and interior trim, and as having an ‘excellent’ gearbox. A charming and nicely presented genuine Van, it is offered with numerous previous MOT certificates, information from Kent County Council on its original owner and a current V5C Registration Document.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452