Owning an Austin Seven can become a passion,
possibly addictive, even contagious, and then comes the time when you wish to
know more about your car and start looking for books to gain the necessary
knowledge. Most people will soon require some technical information for
maintenance and repair to keep the car in roadworthy condition, whilst others
will need it for their restoration project. Then no doubt there will come the
time when you will want to know something about the history of 'Sevens', in
particular where your own model fits into the development of 'Sevens'.
Fortunately the popularity of 'Sevens' over
the years has meant that there are a number of books to meet your needs, mostly
written by enthusiasts for enthusiasts with all levels of mechanical ability.
This review is not a
complete listing, but covers the main books which might be useful, and
interesting, to a 'Seven' enthusiast.
Several books are in print, or have been
re-printed, and are available from:
Technical information
Throughout the development of the 'Seven' the Austin Motor Co. provided Service
Journals to dealers but did not
produce a workshop manual, only the handbook supplied with each model.
Inevitably the handbook lacked detail and always suggested that the owner should
consult the local Austin Dealership for anything other than routine checks, and
greasing. But now the Austin enthusiast has to look after himself, so what is
available?
The Austin Seven Source Book
Rightly referred to as the indispensable 'Bible' for the Austin Seven owner,
restorer and enthusiast, listing the 329 Seven variants produced by Austin Motor
Company, specialist coachbuilders in UK and by motor manufacturers in France,
Germany, USA, Australia and Japan under licence. Arranged in chronological
order with detail of all models, design and feature changes, with technical
drawings and photographs. Appendices list Austin Seven Publications 1922 -41;
Details of Wings and Running Boards; of Windscreens and Body Lights; of Brake
Cables; of Ball and Roller Bearings;; of Road Wheels; of Castor and Camber; of
Paint, Service Tools and so much more. There are sections on Herbert Austin, his key
staff and Longbridge. An amazing collection of information.
by Bryan Purves, pub. by Haynes Publishing, Re-issued 2004. From PWA7C and
A7OC.
The Austin Seven Manual.
This is an all embracing workshop manual covering 'Seven' models from 1925 to
1939, but does not adequately cover the 'Big Seven'. The sections deal with the
Engine; Fuel System; Gearbox; Prop Shaft; Rear Axle; Front Suspension; Steering;
Hubs & Brakes; Road Springs; Chassis; Electrical, and Accessories. Each section
is divided into periods ie 1923-28, 1928-1932, 1932-35, although not always
these years. Within each section are subsections on Dismantling and Assembly.
Diagrams support the step by step easy to follow text, but the only problem is
that the text does not cite the letter identifying the part in the diagram, so
there is a need to have a reasonable technical knowledge in order to use it.
by Doug Woodrow, published by and available from
Mercury Vintage Services, Rosedale, Station Road, Emneth, Norfolk PE14 8DL.
Tel: 01945 430058
E-mail:
woodrow@mercuryvintage.freeserve.co.uk
Catalogue of Spare Parts and Services - Austin Sevens 1922-39 Originally produced by John Platts when he established The Austin Seven
Centre Ltd in Bristol. It is an illustrated parts list with original;
parts numbers; but not a workshop manual more a dictionary of bits. It has
now been reproduced with a blue cover and is available from J Barker, 43 Bowes
Rd, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3HU at £10.00 plus p&p UK £1.99; Europe £2.45
and rest of world £5.55
The A7 Companion
This is considered to be the book for technical information on the restoration
and maintenance of the Austin Seven. Like all books it has a few faults but is a
useful source of information. published by The 750 Motor Club.
The Austin Seven Book
for the owner driver
A very comprehensive little book covering all aspects of the 'Seven' and
regularly updated from it's 1st edition in 1927 to the 6th
in 1937 to cover all models up to the modifications on the 1936 cars. There is
plenty of explanation on how things work, and how to adjust or repair with a
well written text which cites original part numbers. It is, perhaps, the nearest
book of that era to the workshop manual that the Austin Motor Company did not
produce.
by R T Nicholson, pub. The Gregg Publishing Co Ltd, Gregg House, Russell Square,
London.
There are two books which provide more
detail on the 'Big Seven'.
Austin Cars
a practical guide to maintenance and repair covering models from 1932.
Written more as a conventional book the chapters cover Routine Maintenance;
Lubrication; The Fuel System; The Engine-Cooling System; Decarbonising and Valve
Grinding; Ignition and Electrical Equipment; Engine Overhaul; Austin 'Seven'
Engines; Clutches; Gearboxes; Brakes; Steering, Front Hubs and Suspension; Rear
Axles. Diagrams are good quality, and notes on tracing faults are included.
by T B D Service, pub. Pearson.
The Book of the Austin Seven and Eight
Covering all Austin Sevens from 1929-38 including sports models; all models of
Austin Big Seven and Austin Eight. Chapters on Lubrication; Running
Adjustments; The Carburettor and Fuel System; The Electrical and Ignition
System; Decarbonizing; Engine Overhaul; Transmission, Brakes and Steering
supported by quality drawings.
by Staton Abbey, pub. Pitman.
See also:
Austin Big Seven Handbooks (also Spare Parts
List, Price List of Spare Parts and Schedule of Charges.)
Austin Motor Company Handbooks and Parts
Lists
If you haven't been lucky enough to have a handbook for your model with the car
when you bought it you can obtain good copies. Parts lists are almost essential
if you are trying to source parts as many suppliers of used and reproduction
parts do quote the original Austin Motor Company part numbers.
For a complete listing of Austin Seven
Handbooks published by The Austin Motor Co. Ltd. visit the website www.a7ca.org (select Historic Information,
then Documentation). Some handbooks can be downloaded as a pdf file.
Copies of Handbooks and Parts List are
available from the 'Pre-War Austin 7 Club' Archivist, see
www.pwa7c.org
Practical Classics & Car Restorer
Austin Seven Briefing
A mixture of articles by Practical Classics staff enhanced by some articles on
making door trim, nickel plating; rear axle rebuild; removing, dismantling and
rebuilding the engine well illustrated with b/w photographs, but written in the
narrative rather than as a workshop manual. pub. Kelsey Publishing Ltd.1991.
Historical Original Austin Seven The restorer's
Guide to all passenger car and sports models 1922-39
A comprehensive guide to the evolution of the 'Seven' models covering all parts
of the car, the chassis, bodywork, trim, instruments, engine suspension, axles
and electrics with sections on the American Austin, BMW and Rosengart cars as
well as the specials by Gordon England and Swallow, ending with a good data
section. Nearly 300 high quality colour photographs make this an excellent,
readable book.
by Rinsey Mills, pub. 1996 by Bay View Books Ltd., Bideford, Devon.
The Austin Seven the motor for the
million.
Traces the development of 'Sevens'through the models produced at
Longbridge covering the engine and body designs and the mechanical
improvements. Also covers the racing era and speed trials. Includes a 24 page
appendix of facsimile extracts from service data sheets issued by the Austin
Motor Company. Illustrated by 72 photographs and many drawings. More of a
narrative than the 'Source Book', but lacks the detail of specifications and is
rather a dreary factual history.
by R J (Bob) Wyatt, reprinted by David & Charles Ltd.
Pre-War Austin and Austin Seven
A compilation of road tests of all Austin models by the main pre-war Motor
Magazines, with some servicing information. Of interest but not the best choice
for technical or historical information. pub. Unique Motor Books. From PWA7C.
Austin Seven
A run through the development and production of the Seven as a car for the road
and competitions, with a chapter on Herbert Austin. Interesting but not the
must have, especially if you have the Source Book or Bob Wyatt's similar
approach. by Chris Harvey pub. The Oxford Illustrated Press. Reprint from PWA7C.
The Austin Seven
It covers the Austin Seven story in 32 pages with b/w photographs so it gives
the reader an adequate awareness of the people and the models rather than the
detail of everything, thereby is perhaps good value.
by Jonathan Wood pub. Shire Publications Album 343. From PWA7C and A7OC.
The Austin Seven
Articles published in 'Motor Sport' between February 1925 and May 1950 with
another from 1970 which are contemporary with the production of the Austin
Seven, offering a different approach to other books. The Seven is presented by
those who tested and raced it as a new car. A recommended book for those
interested in sporting Sevens.
edited by Bill Boddy MBE. From PWA7C.
Austin Seven Competition History The details of almost all known competition appearances of the Austin Seven
between 1922 and 1939. 376 pages A4 hardbound with 120 photographs.
Available only from; Twincam Ltd., Bigenor, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0JP.
(NB. It seems that these contacts are no
longer working, and copies of the book not found on internet searches. (14
Nov 2009)
Website: www.austintwincam.co.uke-mail:
austin@austintwincam.co.uk)
Novels
A Baby called Aggie
A year in the life of a well used 1932 Seven humorously narrated, with
illustrations, by her one time owner, a Reverend gentleman going about his rural
parish. By all means borrow it, the 39 pages will not take long to read. by Rev. Alan Stephens pub. Epworth Press 1967.
Coleman's Drive
The fascinating 11,467 mile journey, mainly on dirt roads, in a 1925 Chummy from
Buenos Aires across the Andes to Chile, north through Peru, then by sea to
Panama going on through Costa Rica, Nicuragua and Guatamala into Mexico, then
across Texas and the Southern States to finish in New York. John Coleman took
the journey alone in 1959/60 to re-create Tschiffely's ride on horse back in
1925, coping with all the breakdowns and problems on the way. by John Coleman pub. Faber & Faber Ltd. 1964. Available from A7OC.
Coleman's Cars - My Life with Motor Cars A lively and knowledgeable account of John's extensive experience of the
development of the motor car in the context of his own life.
by John Coleman Tel: 020 7582 3996
Austins Over the Andes The story of the journey made by six Austin Sevens crossing the Andes in
2005. Pub Dec 2009 by, and available from, Vince Leek, 'Holm Oak', Upton Scudamore, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0AQ. Cost £15 inc p&p.
History of Austin
Motor Co and Longbridge
The Austin 1905 - 1952 An interesting historycovering the formation of the Austin Motor Co
and the production of the many memorable Austin cars at Longbridge, how they
were planned, designed and marketed. The ups and downs of a great firm
that survived two world wars.
by R J Wyatt, pub: David & Charles.
Men and Motors of 'The Austin' The inside story of a century of car making at Longbridge gained from
interviewing men from the shop floor through to highest management. Covers
all aspects of Longbridge right through to the sale of the Rover name to BMW.
by Barney Sharratt, pub: Haynes Publishing, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset
This updated article, written by Doug Castle, originally appeared in CA7C Seven Focus in
Nov 2004 pp24-28.
