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Already the Big Seven has become a firm favourite in the small car market, its lively performance, comfort and economy, being chiefly responsible.
The latest Big Seven incorporates a number of improvements including a new method of rear spring anchorage giving extra stability, while the bodywork is now equipped with running boards (introduced July 1938) and, on de luxe models, a steel-panel sliding roof. These features add to the appearance and provide greater protection.
The engine of the Big Seven, with its counter-balanced crankshaft, inclined valves, and downdraught carburation, is one of the most lively and efficient small units yet produced, and for a combination of performance and accommodation with extreme economy, the Big Seven has no equal. High averages without fatigue, or pleasant pottering about are equally within the capabilities of this Austin.
The Big Seven range offers the choice of two- or four-door saloons, with or without a sliding roof.
| Dimensions | Full car length 11ft 2in
(3,404mm); Full car width 4ft 6in (1,371mm); Height 5ft 4in (1,625mm); Wheelbase 7ft 3½in (2,223mm); Track front 3ft 7in (1,095mm), rear 3ft 9in (1,143mm); Ground clearance 5¾in (146mm); Turning circle 36ft 0in (10,973mm). |
| Engine | Four-cylinder water cooled with
detachable head. Bore 2.235in (56.77mm), Stroke 3.5in (88.9mm); 3 main bearings. Cubic capacity 900cc Brake horsepower 25 at 4,000 rev. RAC rating 7.99hp Ignition: Coil. Oil circulation: By full pressure gear pump. Oil capacity (sump) 5 pints. Cooling: Thermo-syphon with film radiator and fan. Cooling system capacity 13 pints. There is a spring-loaded valve in top tank to prevent overflow by splash. Crankshaft bearings; Three, steel-backed white metal. |
| Starter | Electrical with cable control to switch. |
| Clutch | Flexible single plate, spring loaded, the plate carrying the friction rings. |
| Gearbox | Four speeds forward,
and a reverse. The top, third and second gears have synchromesh
engagement, which ensures smooth, noiseless gear changes to suit
varying speeds. First gear is a low one to be used when starting with full load, up an incline, or manoeuvring the car in an awkward place. The ratios of engine to road wheels are: top 5.125 to 1; third, 8.51 to 1; second, 13.53 to 1, and first 22.4 to 1; reverse 28.8 to 1. Ball bearings throughout. Oil capacity 1½ pints. |
| Rear Axle | Three-quarter-floating,
with differential and torque tube. Ball bearings and thrusts
throughout. Final drive by shaft and helical bevel. Oil capacity 7/8 pint. |
| Springs | Semi-elliptical
transverse spring in front. Quarter elliptics at rear. Friction shock absorbers are fitted to front and rear. |
| Brakes | Girling wedge and roller on all four wheels with individual adjustment. |
| Wheels | Pressed steel spoke.
One spare wheel with tyre. Tyres 4.75 x 16 (E.L.P.) Dunlop. |
| Controls | Ball change-speed gear
lever, and brake lever, mounted centrally. Foot control for dip-and-switch headlights. Foot accelerator. |
| Fuel Feed | Six gallon (26½ litres)
tank at rear. Fuel supply by A.C. pump. |
| Lighting | By belt-driven fan ventilated dynamo, with 6-volt battery and compensated voltage control. |
| Bodywork | Separate front seats
for driver and passenger with easy individual, adjustment. Rear seat
to carry two adults or three children. Ample tool accommodation. Spare wheel and tyre. Equipment includes illuminated instruments, electric horn, speedometer, automatic return direction indicators, electric windscreen wiper, driving mirror and licence holder. |
| Luggage Platform | Maximum permissible load, 56lbs. |
From Handbook of the Austin Big
Seven Publication No 1523D, September 1938.
The Austin Motor Co Ltd., Birmingham, Longbridge.
See also:
The Big Seven Lubrication Chart
The Big Seven (4 door) Wiring Diagram
The Big Seven (2 door) Wiring Diagram
Notes on Big Seven Maintenance etc.
Austin Big Seven - Maintenance Data
Austins Introduce a Big Seven From The Light Car, July 16, 1937.
Austin Big Seven Saloon From The Motor August 3 1937.
The Austin Big Seven 2door (Forlite) From Practical Motorist, July 16 1938.
The Austin Big Seven From The Light Car, January 7, 1938.
Also relevant to the Big Seven are:
Lucas RF 95 Control Unit (RF 95 Regulator/Cut-out)