Austin Seven RM Saloon 1931

Chassis n°136 411 Engine n°137 146 French registration The model shown is a type RM Saloon introduced in March 1930. It was purchased new by a Geneva police brigadier from SA Perrot, Duval et Compagnie at 12, rue du Général Dufour in Geneva (purchase invoice present). It crossed the border in 1936 and remained in France, in the hands of Charles Vernay, a Challex carpenter, until 1961, when it was acquired by Jean Tua. It was then restored by the Richard coachbuilder in Geneva and displayed in the Jean Tua museum. In 2005, the museum was forced to vacate its premises and the collection was dispersed. "My cars will go to true enthusiasts who know how to preserve and appreciate them", said Jean Tua at the time. It was on this occasion that the current owner acquired the car, spending lavishly and having it completely overhauled between 2005 and 2008, with the engine in particular being completely rebuilt by an engine builder in Zurich. The car was tested between Geneva and Lausanne, and then... never ran again! This is the car we're offering, untouched since the end of its restoration in 2008. A true 4th hand with a crystal-clear history, our charming Austin is an economical solution for a taste of pre-war charm. Not having been driven since 2008, like all good pre-war enthusiasts, the future owner will need to carry out the usual checks before taking to the road again. Driving a pre-war car is neither unimaginable nor untouchable in the eyes of this charming "Baby Austin". Time to break the bank! A special feature of our Austin 7 is its stylish aluminum wheel flanges, inside and out. The Austin Seven is undoubtedly one of the most important english cars ever produced. It's a kind of English Ford T, and nearly 300,000 units were sold worldwide. The model was designed by Herbert Austin (and Stanley Edge) in the early 1920s on the basis of a simple idea: to produce a car that took up no more space than a motorcycle, but with greater comfort and a very low price tag, all equipped with a real small engine and 4 brakes - equipment that was still uncommon in 1931! In the aftermath of the First World War, the Longbridge factory scored a real commercial and sporting success. The Austin Seven was produced between 1922 and 1939 - an impressive longevity, not least because the Austin was not just British. In France, Rosengart produced the little "5cv" under license between 1928 and 1939. In Germany, it was manufactured under the name "Dixi", in the USA under the name "American Bantam", and in Japan under the name "Datsun".