Registration No: CBJ 699
Chassis No: 257492
MOT: Exempt

• First registered in East Suffolk and seemingly still resident there until being acquired by the current registered keeper in 1972
• The subject of much past restoration work and nicely detailed throughout
• Stablemate to the Austin Seven Nippy in this sale for the past forty-nine years!

Issued with the number plate ‘CBJ 699’ on 5th March 1937 by East Suffolk County Council, this delightful Austin Seven Ruby appears to have remained in the same county until 1972 when the current registered keeper bought it. Self-evidently the subject of past restoration work, the four-seater boasts such niceties as a sliding sunroof, rear view mirror with embedded clock, opening windscreen and logoed running boards. Having spent the past forty-nine years garaged alongside the Austin Seven Nippy in this same auction, it would seem a shame to split them up. Offered for sale with continuation green logbook and V5C Registration Document.

Brainchild of Herbert Austin and Stanley Edge, the Austin Seven looked almost impossibly small when launched in 1922. Occupying the same 'footprint' as a motorcycle and sidecar combination, it nevertheless boasted all the advantages of a 'full-size' motor car. Responsible for helping motorise Britain while simultaneously sounding the cyclecar industry's death knell, the baby Austin was brilliantly yet simply engineered. Based around an 'A-frame' chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, four-wheel drum brakes and a spiral bevel back axle, it was powered by a sewing machine-esque 747cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed (later four-speed) manual transmission. Introduced in July 1934, the Ruby Saloon was one of a series of models designed to rejuvenate the Seven. Visually distinguished by its smooth radiator cowling, hinged bonnet vents and curved back (incorporating a spare wheel cover), the newcomer combined a la mode styling with circa 50mph performance and laudable fuel economy. A strong sales success, the Ruby remained a staple part of the Seven range until production ceased in 1939.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737