Automobile [1925 Austin 7]
Maker and role
Austin Motor Company, Manufacturer
Production date
1925
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Object detail
Accession number
1978.729
Maker
Production period
Description
1925-26 Austin 7. Maroon body with black mudguards, soft top. Powered by a 747 cc (46 cubic inch), 4-cylinder, water-cooled engine, 7.8 HP with 3 forward gears and 1 reverse. Fuel consumption is over 60 mpg and could do up to 50 mph (80 kph). Front wheel brakes have been added for road safety - not authentic. The brakes are on all 4 wheels - pedal operated on rear wheels, hand-lever operated on front wheels.
Brief History
The Austin 7, or ‘Baby Austin‘, was the British version of the Model T Ford - mechanically simple, cheap and reliable. First produced in 1922, it became extremely popular in many countries including New Zealand. Both the Austin 7 and the Model T Ford made taking a Sunday drive in your own car possible for the average family. In 1929 an Austin 7 would cost a New Zealander £178, while a Studebaker President Sedan would cost £840.
During the 1920s American cars were still more popular in New Zealand. To advertise the reliability and economy of the Austin 7, one was driven non-stop from Auckland to Wellington and back. An Austin 7 was also driven to the summit of Rangitoto Island in 1927. The 1920s saw a general trend in design and popularity from soft-top to hard-top vehicles.
Type: Open tourer
Model: Austin 7
Manufacturer: Austin Motor Company
Country manufactured: England
Date: 1925
Engine type: Petrol, 4-cylinder
Engine capacity: 747cc
Horse power: 7.8 HP
Gearbox: 3 forward gears and one reverse
During the 1920s American cars were still more popular in New Zealand. To advertise the reliability and economy of the Austin 7, one was driven non-stop from Auckland to Wellington and back. An Austin 7 was also driven to the summit of Rangitoto Island in 1927. The 1920s saw a general trend in design and popularity from soft-top to hard-top vehicles.
Type: Open tourer
Model: Austin 7
Manufacturer: Austin Motor Company
Country manufactured: England
Date: 1925
Engine type: Petrol, 4-cylinder
Engine capacity: 747cc
Horse power: 7.8 HP
Gearbox: 3 forward gears and one reverse
Marks
Austin Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Austin Motor Company. 1925. Automobile [1925 Austin 7], 1978.729. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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