Buying an Austin 7

A DA7C Beginners Guide

Before you start:

▪ Join a Club - loads of useful advice and support

▪ Look at as many models as you can

▪ Read the many books on the A7

▪ Choose your ‘target model’

▪ Test drive a ‘good one’ in the Club

▪ Research typical prices

General (non-tech):

▪ Buy through a Club - member/advert

▪ Take someone knowledgeable along

▪ Check it has a valid Log Book/V5C and MoT

▪ Check numbers match those on the car

▪ Ask about car history - ask previous owner

▪ Check for originality - if that’s important to you

▪ Assess the current owner - engineering, knowledge

▪ Determine reason for sale

General (tech):

▪ Check paintwork and upholstery - expensive items

▪ Any signs of water leakage into the car

▪ Look at the oil - dipstick and under car!

▪ Look at water - oily surface or obvious leaks

▪ Is the car level both ways? and proper ride-height

▪ Do the lights work? - including stop-lights and indicators if fitted

Some Specifics (tech):

▪ Check hand and footbrake travel

▪ Check clutch travel

▪ Look at grease nipples - and where its supposed to come out!

▪ Jack up back wheels - check slack-motion and bearings

▪ Jack up front axle - check king-pins, steering slack and bearings

▪ Run engine and listen for timing gears, big/small ends and mains

On the road:

▪ Test drive for pick up, pulling, steering, stopping and general feel

▪ Do you feel comfortable driving it?

When you’ve bought it:

▪ Do the DVLA paperwork/MoT (if needed)

▪ Insure it at ‘agreed value’ with Richardson Hosken - excellent value

▪ Check all over thoroughly

Enjoy Your Austin Sevening!

Ian Mason-Smith