Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22446 Location: UK

Hi all,

Just looking back at the Wish List thread, it's interesting how often Model As crop up in the 1920s category, yet Austin 7s just the once so far.

Are we a bunch of closet Model A fans?

RJ
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Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2020 10:51 pm Post subject:

I for one certainly like the Model A, does anyone remember watching the Waltons as a child and seeing all Model A's?
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roverdriver · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2020 9:04 am Post subject:

Rick, as you know, I have a soft spot for the A. It is, in my opinion, one of the few low priced cars of the period that can be driven happily in modern traffic. I haven't had the pleasure of driving one of the lower horsepower British versions, but the USA and Canadian cars were not only capable of speeds over 60 mph., but could sustain that hour after hour.

I have owned many A's from a 1927 model, one of the first built, to a 1932 model, one of the last. The one that I had the longest was bought in 1966 used as everyday transport, restored from mid 1970 to February 1972 ready for the N.Z. International rally of that year. Subsequently we brought it to Australia and again used it for daily transport. We also did some extended tours including Melbourne to Perth and back, a round trip of over 5,000 miles and Melbourne to Cairns and back covering a similar distance, and on both occasions towing a trailer with all our camping gear.

It was reluctantly sold in 1990, because we were moving to South Gippsland, the other side of Melbourne , and it had reached a point of needing a re-restoration, which considering we had clocked up over 200,000 miles was not a bad effort.

My love of the model comes from much experience. Regrettably the cars now, cost far more than I could justify, but if I could afford one, I would not hesitate to buy another.
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Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6310 Location: Derby

I have never even been in a Model A let alone drive one. Austin Sevens, though, are bread and butter to me. Having said that, I can see why the Ford is so popular.

The comparison between the Ford A and the Austin 7 is more a demonstration of the higher standard of living that Americans, in general, enjoyed at that time. We Brits had to settle for much smaller cars that were not always that well built when compared to the Yanks. Our road network at the time consisted of narrow winding roads so maybe the Austin 7 had it's compensations.

Also, you can rebuild an Austin 7 engine on the kitchen table!

norustplease · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 779 Location: Lancashire

Unfortunately, although I would love a Model A, my legs are too long for the drivers seat.
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1953 Citroen Traction
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1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
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Keith D · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 3:16 am Post subject:

I don't think an Austin Seven can really be compared with a Model A Ford. A better comparison would be with a Model "T" Ford. That vehicle put America (and a lot of the world) on wheels, compared to the Austin Seven that put Britain on wheels. Both were very basic pioneering vehicles.

The Model "A" was quite a sophisticated car. I read somewhere that it was the first mass produced car to have shock absorbers fitted as standard. (Perhaps somebody could confirm or correct me on this) It was certainly an attractive and reliable vehicle and there are still very many of them in Australia happily driving about. My only reservation is my dislike of four cylinder engines, especially large ones.

Keith
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1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
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roverdriver · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:54 am Post subject:

Keith, the A certainly had shock absorbers from the first of the model. I don't know if it was the first production car with them.

Perhaps in some way the T and A7 could be compared, but the Austin was a 'child' of the 1920's and the T originated in 1908, and remained until 1927. so in reality, they have little, if anything in common. The T remained popular for so long because of its rugged construction, low price and as a vehicle that was easy to learn to drive. By the end of its production it was quite out of tune with the cars of the same era.

The A7 was designed while the U.K. had a horsepower tax, so the engine, and the rest of the car accordingly was made small. The USA had no similar restriction so the 20 (rated) horsepower was actually considered a fairly small engine there.
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mikeC · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 8:43 am Post subject:

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 267 Location: Cheshire

I've strongly considered buying a T, but having driven several I'm still not convinced I could get to grips with the bizarre and counter intuitive controls. They are complete brain-melt!

So my thoughts are on Model As now, given they are reasonable in respect of size, costs, availability of spares and useability. Any tips?
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