1938 Austin 7 Opal Tourer

Founded in 1905 by Herbert Austin, the company’s fortune was effectively made by the ‘Seven’. Practical and reliable, sales of the models boomed right through to World War II, wiping out the competition for Light Car dominance. Throughout the Thirties, Austin stayed ahead of its rivals by producing motor cars which were reliable and well appointed. In a time when the nation’s economy was struggling, the Austin Seven, we are told, brought more ‘Smiles per gallon’ than any of its other motoring competitors, and was offered in a variety of guises. The popular Opal first arrived in 1934 and inherited its mechanical makeup from the Ruby, but was a two seater tourer with some useful storage space within its ‘squared off’ rear body and boasted a sporty low chassis and an exposed spare wheel.

This particular Opal comes from the stable of a life-long motoring enthusiast who has owned many covetable quality motor cars, including a concours winning Rolls-Royce 25/30, seven Bentleys, a Healey Silverstone, several ACs and a Bristol 401.  Affectionately known as Lulu, the Austin 7 was purchased from the vendor’s friend, an ex. High Sheriff and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset who had himself bought the motor car from a fastidious engineer who had restored COR 991 to concours standard and returned it to the road in 2008. The restoration included a professional engine rebuild, a brake overhaul (with the drums skimmed)  and a steering system and running gear rebuild, together with the fitting of a new wiring loom and new set of tyres. We are informed that the body was removed, the chassis shot blasted and repainted and the body fully restored and reinstalled. The upholstery and weather equipment were also renewed.

The current custodian has garaged Lulu in a dehumidified, insulated and heated motor house, and connected the ‘7’ to a battery conditioner. It has been clearly cherished and very well cared for since its restoration, and used sparingly. An impending house move has prompted the owner to make the difficult decision to sell the Opal.

The history file contains the V5C registration certificate, the RF60A registration book, a 1937 Austin Service Journal, images, Vintage and Sports Car Services invoices for the engine rebuild and other mechanical work, sundry paperwork and publications of the Austin 7 Club.

COR 991 will be serviced prior to the auction sale and driven to Athelhampton.