Austin 7 Swallow

[crankedup]

I'm looking at one of these little beauties with a view to purchase. Anyone had any previous experiences and anything out of the norm' to look for please.

[lowdrag]

I can only suggest that you get in touch with the JDC and therein the SS register. Either that or the JDHT. Such beautiful little cars though. Best of luck.

[austin]

This is the place to ask.
Austin 7 forum

Good luck

[Huntsman]

crankedup said:

I'm looking at one of these little beauties with a view to purchase. Anyone had any previous experiences and anything out of the norm' to look for please.

As Lowdrag infers, landmark car in that this is the origins of Jaguar, pretty little things too.

You've seen the ones on prewarcar.com and leriche.com?

[austin]

I can't claim to be any sort of expert on Swallows but from what I know the important, (and rare) bits are small things like the mascot and lights. Best to search / ask on the forum I linked to previously.

[crankedup]

Thank you, Moving across to have a look now.

[austin]

If they can't answer any questions I would be mightily surprised. A very knowledgable bunch!

[crankedup]

Yes I have asked them for any experiences/advice, I'm going to look at the little devil tomorrow but have established that it is a genuine Swallow as opposed to a recreation. One minor point is that I have noticed from the pictures I have is that the two 'ships funnels' are missing from the scuttle. I assume that these are fresh air vents?
Funny thing is I do feel excited about buying this car, is this a good or bad thing :whoohoo:

[lowdrag]

AFAIK some models had the air scoops, some didn't. Go here (JDHT) to look at photos:-

http://www.jdht.com/jdht_collection/1929AUSTIN7SWA...

http://www.jdht.com/jdht_collection/1928AUSTINSEVE...

I was at the auction ten years back when the JDHT bought this one - a very pretty car

http://www.jdht.com/jdht_collection/1935SSIAIRLINE...

My best regards

[crankedup]

Thanks for that and links Lowdrag, very interesting stuff. The present owner of the car tells me that he is a member of the Swallow Register, so obviously I shall have to look over thier files.

[crankedup]

Well the deed is done and I have purchased the car. A smart and pretty looking saloon finished in its original colours of Violet over cream and a cream leather interior. All the fittings are on the car and it seems to be all in excellent order having been restored very well in the 1970's. It has a huge history file together with the buff book and original registration number. Apparently somebody had made an previous offer to purchase but had mentioned to the vendor (private sale)that they intended to sell the number plate The vendor declined to sell the car to them (good man). Just need to make arrangements to collect now and look forward to trips out in this little superstar.

The jdht car is exactly the same colours as the one I have purchased.

Edited by crankedup on Saturday 28th July 15:54

[austin]

Good work, sounds like you have got a good one as well, (from here and over on the Austin 7 forum). Glad to hear that you are going to be driving it about as well. Not sure if I have ever seen one on the road! There are loads of things going for these little cars. (Not that I go to many of them.)

Once we get a bit more decent weather, (my Ulster has no roof) I will be seen terrorising the roads around Kent / Surrey borders.

[crankedup]

I like to drive vintage (or in this case strictly speaking post vintage) cars, nothing worse than leaving them to decay in a garage or museum IMHO. I had intended to buy an A7 'C' cab van, but a good genuine vehicle is just so rare it seems that they now command sky high money, your Ulster even more so. Still I will be more than happy to swan around in my Swallow :

Was hoping to learn more of the A7's on 'the other side' and also have written to the Swallow Register.

[crankedup]

Huntsman said:

crankedup said:

I'm looking at one of these little beauties with a view to purchase. Anyone had any previous experiences and anything out of the norm' to look for please.

As Lowdrag infers, landmark car in that this is the origins of Jaguar, pretty little things too.

You've seen the ones on prewarcar.com and leriche.com?

Had enquired regarding the Swallow in this dealership, super original car seemingly untouched for decades. But at 10,000 pounds + refurb' cost I decided to hang on in tjhe hope an option would come to market. Pleased I waited!

[austin]

crankedup said:

I like to drive vintage (or in this case strictly speaking post vintage) cars, nothing worse than leaving them to decay in a garage or museum IMHO. I had intended to buy an A7 'C' cab van, but a good genuine vehicle is just so rare it seems that they now command sky high money, your Ulster even more so. Still I will be more than happy to swan around in my Swallow :

Was hoping to learn more of the A7's on 'the other side' and also have written to the Swallow Register.

Unfortunately mines a replica, (all be it a very good one with some very nice bits on it and built alongside a real one when my dad was rebuilding it for someone else. If you put them side by side you can't tell the difference!)

[crankedup]

Unfortunately I am old enough to remember A7's of all flavours being sold for around 3 pounds or so! one of my Brothers purchased an Box 7 of about 1930-1934 vintage, this is way back in the 1960's. He paid #3.10 shillings for this non runner but all up solid little car. Our Father instructed Bro' to get rid of it double quick time, pity. Pop had no time for auto's of any discription, not even pedal bikes!