Barn Find Project

1938 Austin Big Seven

Make: Austin
Model: Big Seven
Year: 1938
Registration Number: FLC 986
Chassis Number: CRY1208
Engine Number: 1A 1367
Transmission: Manual
Steering: Right Hand Drive
MOT Test Expiry: Exempt
Sold For: £2090
Road Tax Exempt

The Austin Seven, built between 1923 and 1939, was a hard act to follow and as the Ruby model disappeared at the end of the 1930s, a replacement was offered in the form of the Big Seven. The Big Seven had much of the Ruby’s style in a larger form with more passenger space and a larger engine of 885cc. The Seven was very popular but sadly the Big Seven never seemed to have the same cache. This is a pity as the motor car is more comfortable and drives better so it should be on the same popularity scale as its sibling.

FLC 986 was its late owner, Mr Bernard Griffiths’, very first car, passing to him in 1969 after his father, a vicar, purchased it in 1966. The Austin took Mr Griffiths through his teenage years and he flatly refused to ever part with it, preferring to put it on blocks in his barn for the rest of its days and there it has remained since about 1990. Access is somewhat restricted at present and we are unable to comment on more than the general condition which appears to be poor but seemingly complete. The engine could not be accessed to determine if it turned. We understand that the Big Seven was driven to its current location.

Supplied in the history file is an RF60 buff registration book and a V5`registration document, some early MOT test certificates and photographs of student days with the motor car.