Registration – HE 6613

Chassis No. – 200315

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 68,412

There can’t be many cars that have been in their previous ownership for 87 years and 10 months! Well, ‘HE6613’ has making it a remarkable example from the get-go. Although the Austin Seven was a ubiquitous pre-war economy car, the Nippy seen here, was produced in tiny numbers with just 682 being built between 1934 and 1937. ‘HE6613’ hails form that inaugural year of 1934 and was acquired by its second and current keeper in August 2022. In the current ownership ‘HE6613’ has been recommissioned with new valves, guides and a high compression head fitted. The brakes have been renewed all round and new Brickwood wheels and tyres fitted. ‘HE6613’ is now ready for only its third owner in 91 years.

‘HE6613’ presents in gleaming blue and black livery. The blue gracing the diminutive body and the black being reserved for the narrow mud guards and wings. This Nippy specification car is a limited production sports roadster model based on the standard Austin Seven chassis. Charming pre-war details include the polished chrome radiator shroud with vestigial cap emblem, the large externally mounted headlamps and centre hinged, louvred bonnet. ‘HE6613’ is fitted with a black vinyl hood which appears to be in excellent condition. The cabin is remarkably spacious for the size of the car and is nicely finished in navy blue for the upholstery and a more vibrant shade for the carpets. A full width wooden dashboard fascia is fitted with a black, centrally located instrument panel. This is home to a quartet of gauges including the innovative Smiths rotary speedometer. The current keeper rates the paint and bodywork as “good” and the interior as “excellent.”

‘HE6613’ is fitted with the later, larger capacity 747cc side valve engine which had been in used since 1924. Being a 1934 car ‘HE6613’ is fitted with the later four speed gearbox with a synchromesh on second, third and fourth. Thanks to the recommissioning recently undertaken this is thought to be a nicely running example of this most British of pre-war people’s cars. The vendor rates the engine as “average,” the transmission as “good,” and the electrics as “excellent.”

In summary:

· One of just 682 of the Nippy model thought to have been built

· Recently recommissioned mechanically and aesthetically

· Just two owners span this car’s 91 year history