Coys Auction - The Spirit of Motor Cars
Ascot Racecourse,
Ascot,
Berkshire SL5 7JX

Saturday 4th October 2008
Motor Cars at 15:00

Considering the enormous success of the Austin Seven, it is ironic that Sir Herbert Austin had to personally finance its development in the face of opposition from the Austin board, the company had, though, after a peak of £10m turnover through armaments production during World War One, been forced into receivership in 1921 due to labour problems, strikes and a failed share flotation. With the Seven, however, Austin became a pioneer of the light car, producing a model for the masses that was well-built, reliable and cheap to buy and run. This same formula was continued throughout its long life until production ended in January 1939.

The Seven had first emerged from Longbridge in July 1922 and by 1929 over 100,000 had been built, between 1926 and 1932 it was Austin''''s best seller. By 1939 it h