1935 Austin Seven Opal Tourer
Registration no. FD 9856
Chassis no. 228767

Introduced in 1934, the Ruby and its companion models, known as Austin's Jewel range of cars, marked an important step in the development of Austin's ever-popular light car. The new body styles featured flowing lines, valanced wings and taller, cowled radiators; wheel size was reduced from 19" to 17" diameter, and synchromesh was now present on 2nd as well as 3rd and top gears. Alongside the two Ruby saloons in the new-for-1935 range were the Pearl Cabriolet (the most expensive model at £128), the Opal two-seater (the first £100 Austin) and the Open Road Tourer.
Belonging to the 1936 model year, this Austin Seven Opal Tourer was first registered on 1st September 1935 and is one of the first A/PE cars, body number 42, being built in the summer of 1935 alongside the run out of the A/PD cars, it uniquely retains some features of the superseded AP/D model with the self-cancelling trafficators fitted forward of the door hinges, rather than flush-fitting to the rear of the door together with the new part-synchromesh gearbox. Commencing in September 2018 and finishing in May 2019, a restoration has been undertaken by the vendor, a Chartered Engineer and past owner of a 1934 Austin Seven Nippy, with assistance from various recognised specialists. Bills and full details of these most extensive works and the numerous new parts fitted are available, and the car also comes with an old-style logbook and a V5 registration document.