The original Austin 7, first introduced in 1922, was classed as an economy car produced in Great Britain by Austin. Because it was so small, it was popularly known as the Baby Austin, so against today’s large family cars, it is truly small! Such was its appeal that it went on in production right up until 1939, with various specification upgrades and modifications along the way. The Austin 7 Ruby was introduced in 1936 when its restyling included a longer bonnet, cowled radiator, slightly downswept tail and the spare wheel enclosed by a metal cover, which also concealed a folding luggage rack.
Oxford's 1:43 scale Austin 7 is shown here in a deep grey with slightly darker roof panel, black mudguards and black running board. This release does not have the rear luggage rack or suitcase. Registered CAL 331, the interior of our little gem features a black floor, mid brown dashboard with black instrument dials, black steering wheel and gear stick and mid grey seats. Additional detail includes the interior door panels which have a mid grey satin finish. Exterior trim is mostly chrome except for black wheels and a black radiator. A tiny detail completes the model with the Austin ‘winged’ badge placed in the top centre of the chrome radiator surround.