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AUSTIN HERITAGE
Irene and Zeta Austin, daughters of Herbert Austin, drive a
pre-production Austin touring car in 1923.
Herbert Austin & 1922 Austin Seven
prototype.
The Austin Seven "Chummy" was "The
Motor for the Millions."
BMW's "Dixi" was Germany's licensed
version of the Austin Seven.
This sporty Rosengart was France's
version of the Austin Seven.
Mechanically, the 1932 Datson (later Datsun)
was inspired by the Austin Seven, but was
not similar enough to require a license
from Austin. The body design--particularly
the shape from the cowl forward--was
more similar to the American Austin than
the English original.
American Austin was a
licensed version of the Seven
The roots of all American Austin and Bantam vehicles can be
traced to a single ancestor--the Austin "Seven". Its creator,
Herbert Austin, was born in Missenden, England, in 1866. By age
21, he had grown to become a talented mechanical engineer. In
1887, he gained notoriety for improving sheep shearing machine
designs for Wolseley, an Australian firm that went on to market
its own line of automobiles. Austin resigned from Wolseley in
1904 and launched The Austin Motor Company in England.
Chassis design of the 1922 Austin Seven, including a peppy engine
designed by Stanley Edge.
At first, Austin built large cars. However, taxes that were levied
against motorists based on horsepower caused him to introduce
the 7-horsepower Austin Seven in 1922. It was to replace
primitive cyclecars and motorcycles for the average citizen. The
Austin Seven took Europe by storm. Licensed versions were sold
in Germany as the Dixi, and in France as the Rosengart. The
Austin Seven and its derivatives are welcomed at American
Austin Bantam Club events.
Austin hoped for even greater success in the United States. In 1929, the American Austin Car company was incorporated in Delaware and a development office was opened in Detroit, Michigan. (Continued)
Austin hoped for even greater success in the United States. In 1929, the American Austin Car company was incorporated in Delaware and a development office was opened in Detroit, Michigan. (Continued)
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