What have you done today with your Austin Seven

[Bob Culver]

I have mentioned before. My father used to keep close records and often ran the car dry to check mileage. Around 1950 two (by modern standards small) adults and two children in our RP travelled twice a year 200 miles each way to vist parents. Originally strove for 45 mph but found this too fatiguing on the winding, undulating, patched roads of the time so settled for 40 mph. Obtained consistent 50 mpg. A different silencer and larger tail pipe reduced to 40 mpg. In my use with SU and no attempt to optimise needle gave 38 mpg all conditons, regularly flat out.
My father was very considerate of machinery and did not apply more throttle then car would take. Although the air consumption is much the same, with a 4cyl this generally reduces fuel use. (The suction pulses are less severe)