17-10-2018, 06:50 PM
Hello Nick and welcome to our forum.
You are wise to ask a few questions before buying an Austin Seven. Firstly, I think it depends on whether you are prepared for just how small the car is. It also may depend on whether you are looking for a sports type car like an Ulster replica. It is interesting that you were considering an early Land Rover because quite a few A7 owners also also drive them. (I also have a Land Rover product but we won't go in to that !). My Austin Swallow is not the best car for long journeys as it has the original running gear so difficult on hills but others have more practical 7s that cover huge distances. Lands End to John O'Groats is an extreme. The cars can do it - whether the driver is up to it is a different matter!
Your second question is generally "yes" but you have to remember that really old cars have a tendency to be tempremental. The great advantage is that they are a doddle to fix and that - to be honest - is part of the fun. Personally, I prefer fettling the car to actually driving it but then there is no hope for some of us!
So long as you don't pay over the odds and the car has a clear title (V5c) there is a healthy market for sporty looking Sevens - even if they have faults. In fact there is a healthy market for ANY Austin Seven if the price is right.
Finally, you won't find a car that is more entertaining to own and drive so long as you don't want to go too fast. Even the best brakes leave a bit to be desired. The Seven is a car that becomes addictive - so be warned!!!
You are wise to ask a few questions before buying an Austin Seven. Firstly, I think it depends on whether you are prepared for just how small the car is. It also may depend on whether you are looking for a sports type car like an Ulster replica. It is interesting that you were considering an early Land Rover because quite a few A7 owners also also drive them. (I also have a Land Rover product but we won't go in to that !). My Austin Swallow is not the best car for long journeys as it has the original running gear so difficult on hills but others have more practical 7s that cover huge distances. Lands End to John O'Groats is an extreme. The cars can do it - whether the driver is up to it is a different matter!
Your second question is generally "yes" but you have to remember that really old cars have a tendency to be tempremental. The great advantage is that they are a doddle to fix and that - to be honest - is part of the fun. Personally, I prefer fettling the car to actually driving it but then there is no hope for some of us!
So long as you don't pay over the odds and the car has a clear title (V5c) there is a healthy market for sporty looking Sevens - even if they have faults. In fact there is a healthy market for ANY Austin Seven if the price is right.
Finally, you won't find a car that is more entertaining to own and drive so long as you don't want to go too fast. Even the best brakes leave a bit to be desired. The Seven is a car that becomes addictive - so be warned!!!