Austin 7 1922–1931 car dimensions: 2794 mm long, 1168 mm wide and 1505 mm high. Unladen weight is 381 kg.
The cabin is snug and bare. A single ammeter dial and light switches sit ahead of the driver. Four can squeeze in, with fixed front seats on early cars and a rear bench suited mainly to children. Adults sit close enough to touch elbows. A folding hood and side screens give basic weather cover. No modern driver aids appear in period specs.
No dedicated boot volume is listed. The rear area holds luggage when not used for passengers, or gear can be strapped to the spare wheel and mudguards. Space is tight for family trips.
The cabin is snug and basic with fixed or simple seats for four close together. Front seats give little room side to side so elbows touch. Rear space suits children only with about 10 inches of legroom. A fold-down fabric hood and side screens keep weather out when raised. The open top lets in air and views on fine days. Controls are few: one amp dial and light switches. It feels intimate and exposed rather than plush.
Fuel use around 38-42 mpg on period and owner tests with 4-gallon tank.
Service needs frequent oil, water and grease checks. full service twice a year or oil change every 1000 miles.
Cable-operated drum brakes on all four wheels. early cars separate foot rear and hand front.
No published crash-test ratings from the era.
Simple sidevalve engine and crash gearbox need regular attention but parts remain available.
Fuel economy sits in the high 30s to low 40s mpg on longer runs once warm. Short trips drop it lower. The small tank holds about four gallons so range stays modest. It runs on standard unleaded with care for ethanol content.
Servicing is hands-on and frequent. Check oil, water and tyres before each outing. Grease points often. Change engine oil every 1000 miles or twice yearly. Gearbox and axle oils need checks every few months. The lightweight build means more attention than later cars but the layout is straightforward for owners or specialists.
Safety kit is period basic. Four-wheel cable drums provide stopping power though feel soft by modern standards and need regular adjustment and lining care. Early models keep foot and hand brakes separate. No crash ratings exist from the time. Keeping the car means regular lubrication, spoke and tyre checks, and watching for body flex cracks. Clubs and specialists supply parts so it stays usable with care.
Length 2794 mm, Width 1168 mm, Height 1505 mm, Wheelbase 1905 mm (7 1922–1931)
Sources: manufacturer data, classicandsportscar.com factfile, classiccarportraits.co.uk, austin7.org.