1931 | Austin 7 Swallow

The company co-founded by William Walmsley and William Lyons in 1922, which traded under the name Swallow Sidecar Company, progressively developed into a coachbuilder following its start making stylish sidecars for motorcycles. In May 1927, Swallow announced that it would make a 2-seater body to fit the Austin 7 chassis and running gear. The resulting open car – the Austin Seven Swallow Two-Seater, which was also available with a Coupe hardtop - proved successful and was soon followed by the Austin Seven Swallow Saloon. The curvaceous Saloon followed the height of contemporary car fashion, having a fully rounded back to the body. Like the Two-Seater, it used striking two-tone, Art Deco-style paintwork, which accentuated the car’s streamlined shape.

The Austin Seven Swallow is often regarded as the first step in the creation of the Jaguar marque as, within a couple of years, William Lyons went on to establish SS Cars Ltd, building complete vehicles under the SS name during the 1930s. This name was changed to Jaguar Cars Ltd. In 1945, at the end of the Second World War.

Offered for sale as a colour-coordinated pair, this Open Two-Seater and Saloon are 1929 and 1931 models respectively. Full restorations were completed in the early 2000’s, covering all aspects of the cars build – mechanical work; metalwork; ash frame and upholstery/trim.  

They were exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (California, USA) in 2003 where the Saloon achieved a 2nd in class. They were then shown at the July 2004 European Concours d’Elegance in Dusseldorf, each winning their respective class. The Saloon went on receive an award for the ‘most sympathetic restoration’ at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Eleganza, Lake Como, Italy in 2005. These cars have been exhibited at many subsequent events and have accumulated a few show trophies to their name, most recently appearing in the 2023 Jersey Concours d’Elegance.

Both cars employ the diminutive 747cc, 4-cylinder side-valve Austin engine, which boasted a full 10.5hp at a heady 2,400rpm to give the tiny car 50mph performance. The Saloon has a 4-speed gearbox fitted, together with an improved braking system. The car has recently been serviced and runs well.

The car is finished in the same Maroon and Cream colour scheme as its Two-Seater partner. It is in exceptional condition and remains largely as first restored. The Saloon has elaborate front and rear quarter bumpers, chromed air vents and a more refined radiator design – all in first-class condition.

The interior of the car was fully re-trimmed as part of the restoration work. The Saloon boasts many extras, such as smokers hatch, rear blind and mahogany dash and door cappings – all in excellent condition.

This early Swallow example has been in the hands of the same enthusiast owner since the early 1990’s and has had a no-expense spared restoration completed. It was returned to a near ‘as new’ state and has been maintained in a concours condition, demonstrated by a history of being a regular award winner. It is offered for sale together with its Two -Seater partner - you will not find another pair of these cars in this condition. Please enquire for further details.

The cars are currently EU registered and we can assist shipping and importation processes if required.