A huge success from the moment deliveries commenced in January 1923, the Austin Seven remained in production until 1939.

Simply constructed, economical and easily maintained by the home mechanic, the Seven brought motoring within the financial reach of the man in the street, who hitherto would probably have settled for a motorcycle combination.

Its introduction helped save the ailing Austin concern and by the mid-1920s the Seven dominated the light car market in Britain.

The sole version available when production commenced was the 'Chummy' tourer.

In essence the Seven changed little in the course of its 17 years in production, retaining the 'A'-frame chassis, transverse front spring, rear quarter elliptics and four-cylinder sidevalve engine to the end.

There were, of course, numerous detail improvements along the way.

The introduction of the Ruby in 1934 marked an important step in the development of Austin's ever-popular light car.

New body styles featured flowing lines, valanc...