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Lot #34 - 1932 SWALLOW AUSTIN SEVEN SALOON MK II

  • Auction House:
    Mossgreen
  • Sale Name:
    The Motorclassica Auction
  • Sale Date:
    14 Oct 2017 ~ 6pm
  • Lot #:
    34
  • Lot Description:
    1932 SWALLOW AUSTIN SEVEN SALOON MK II
    Chassis No: 153793; Engine No: M73181
  • Notes:
    Born in 1866, Sir Herbert Austin built his first car, a tiller-steered three-wheeler in 1895, and in the summer of 1905 founded the Austin Motor Company. The Austin Seven was manufactured between 1922 and 1939 and the ‘Baby Austin’ as it was affectionately dubbed, was very popular, with a similar effect on the British market as had the Model T in the USA, becoming the world’s leading small car. Austin worked with an 18-year-old draughtsman, Stanley Edge on the Seven who said, “He [Herbert Austin] was hellishly bad-tempered. I only learned later that he was having quite a battle with his directors to get money allocated for the Seven.” In 1927 Sir William Lyons, co-founder of the Swallow Sidecar Company which was later to become SS and then after the second world war, Jaguar, hit upon the idea of purchasing Austin Seven chassis and bodying them with a design by coachbuilder Cyril Holland. It is believed that well over 3,000 bodies were made by Swallow with the demand so great that Lyons moved premises from Blackpool to Coventry, Jaguar’s home in the post-war years. The Swallow Austin Seven is important not only in its own intrinsic right but also as a direct predecessor and link to Jaguar. Originally produced as an open top car, the saloon was introduced in September 1928. The Swallow Saloon Mk II was introduced at the Olympia Motor Show, London in October 1930, built of aluminium on an ash frame and featured a 10hp 747cc side-valve four-cylinder engine, three-speed transmission, wire wheels and mechanical brakes. Of the 126 Swallows which still survive according to the International Austin-Swallow Register, the example offered here is believed to be one of the finest, most original, correct and complete examples extant. It scored 99.6 out of 100 when winning the Jaguar Clubs of North America Concours d’Elegance and also won the Ron Campbell Memorial Trophy for Best SS & Classic Jaguar at the 2001 Jaguar National Rally in Australia. According to Jaguar’s records the car left the Foleshill plant in Coventry on May 26th 1932 and was sold on June 7th by Henlys in London. The car was held in long term ownership by Tony Guinness in England when it was restored during the 1990s, before being passed to Peter Fino of Illinois, USA in 1997. It was purchased by its current owner on January 19th 2001 as Lot 132 at the RM Auction of Vintage Motor Cars held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. According to Brian Purves’ definitive 1989 book, ‘The Austin Seven Source Book’, this car, chassis number 153793, is believed to be the last Swallow Saloon produced. First registered as GY 3208 in London, it is featured in three photographs on page 303 of Purves’ work. This Swallow, the first of its kind to come to Australia is also featured in ‘The Forerunners of Jaguar in Australasia and Asia’ (published 2004) by Terry McGrath and John Clucas. During the custodianship of Tony Guinness the car was painted in period correct cream with burgundy from its original duo green. Remarkably, however, this Swallow still retains the wonderful little original touches from 85 years ago including its Swallow radiator mascot, sash cord for the rear window shade, petrol dipstick, optional chrome ship-type scuttle ventilators, metal registration disc holder, and silvered Houbigant of Paris lady’s companion set. The interior features marvellous Connolly hide and Wilton carpet, with superb Mahogany wood detail. The Swallow name is stamped upon the licence disc holder, lady’s make-up compacts, steering wheel and front sidelights – even then Lyons knew how to market a quality motor car. This delightful and historic little car comes with original tools, original Handbook and original Spare Parts book. This vehicle will be sold unregistered.
  • Estimate:
    A$40,000 - 45,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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