The Austin 7
Restoration and specialist work at British & Classic, Haslemere
At British & Classic (B&C) in Haslemere, Surrey, we specialise in the restoration, repair and the recommission of Austin Seven motor cars, from original saloons to highly modified competition cars. Our approach is sympathetic and historically informed, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern materials where appropriate.
Our work typically includes:
- Traditional metal fabrication and body repairs, including sills, floor pans, wheel arches and structural timber or steel section
- Paint preparation and refinishing, using modern paint systems carefully colour-matched to period finishes
- Mechanical restoration and servicing, including engines, carburation, fuel systems, cooling and braking
- Electrical repairs and discreet safety upgrades, improving reliability and road usability while preserving originality
Whether you require a concours-standard restoration, a mechanically sound touring car, or a safe and usable road car with subtle upgrades, our work is tailored to the intended use of the vehicle.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your project.
1934 Austin Seven — The Car That Put Britain on Wheels
1934 Austin Seven — The Car That Put Britain on Wheels
Few motorcars embody the spirit of 1930s Britain quite like the 1934 Austin Seven. By the mid-thirties, the “Baby Austin” had already earned its place in motoring history, but the 1934 models marked a notable refinement in comfort, styling, and engineering.
Austin’s own 1934 press material proudly declared that the Seven offered “maximum motoring at minimum cost”, emphasising its unbeatable economy and dependability at a time when the country was still recovering from the hardships of the early decade. The company boasted that the Seven delivered “an efficiency ratio unmatched in any car of its size”, a sentiment echoed widely in contemporary reports.
Motoring journalists of the period were remarkably enthusiastic. The Autocar praised the 1934 Seven for its “sprightly road manners and surprising climbing ability”, noting that improvements to the engine, braking and body strength made it feel “a more grown-up machine.” The Motor reported that the new Ruby and Opal body styles gave the Seven “a modern contour and elegance not formerly associated with cars of this class.”
The 1934 models benefitted from a number of subtle but effective updates. Detail changes to the crankcase breathing, revised flywheel, better cooling, and the adoption of improved four-wheel brakes gave the car a smoother, more confident character. Interiors also took a significant step forward, with Austin highlighting “increased legroom and better seating for longer journeys.”
Perhaps the most enduring praise came from provincial newspapers whose readers relied on small cars for everyday life. The Western Morning News reported:
“The little Austin continues to surprise. Its ability to maintain a steady gait on steep Devon hills is nothing short of remarkable.”
In an era when motoring freedom was becoming accessible to ordinary families, the 1934 Austin Seven stood as a symbol of reliability, honesty and cheerful British engineering. Today it remains one of the most beloved and recognisable classics on the road — a reminder of how one small car changed the motoring landscape forever.
Transform Your Classic Car with B&C British & Classic
At B&C British & Classic | Classic Car Restoration & Servicing in Haslemere, we specialize in transforming classic and vintage cars into works of art. Our team of experts has a passion for restoring these beautiful machines and we take pride in our work. We offer a wide range of restoration services, including bodywork, engine restoration, interior refurbishment, and more. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their vision for their car becomes a reality.