The AVH Van (32-35)was based on the RP Saloon. Next came the AVJ (35-37), which used up all the leftover bits in the factory - including flat rads - until they ran out, when they started using Ruby bodies. My April 1937 AVJ has a chrome rad and under-bonnet fuel tank but had a three-bearing engine originally, plus semi-Girling brakes. The first van to be built from the start with Ruby bodies and a rear tank was the AVK (37-39).

I leave it to you to decide whether this 1934 offering with a Ruby body is genuine!

Rick

Location: Deepest Norfolk

I think your right Martin,mine is a October 1935 AVH(box saloon type) and I know of a 36 AVJ chrome rad but I don't know what month. I could be wrong but it looks a bit square on the back to me for a genuine van.

Location: Doncaster

It looks nicely done but wouldn't it have had rounded rear windows if it were a genuine van?

Martin,

It's on the mycarcheck site as an Austin Seven Ruby (Saloon) and the DVLA site as an Austin Seven Ruby - Date of first registration: 04 September 1997, Year of manufacture: 1935, Colour: Maroon - Taxed until 01 September 2016.

I would agree, the rear windows would originally have had radiused corners with two ventilation louvres above each window. Wasn't the petrol filler on the nearside of Ruby Vans - here it's on the offside.

Jeff.

Location: Almost but not quite, the far North East of England

It is simple enough to report items that are misdescribed to Ebay.

Its not misdescribed is it?

It is after all, a van, just as described.

I have no idea - if you feel it is then you can report it as such to eBay easily enough. Probably best not to if you feel the description is just fine however.

Caveat Emptor! (pardon my French)

A friend bought a RN off this vendor. More Ruby than RN. Friend doesn't seem too
bothered. It's still an Austin 7 (of mixed parentage!)

Location: Wet and windy Wales

The vendor claims to have Austin records of every model type by chassis and body number of every Seven built , no doubt the information he has will check this out.

Location: Dorchester

Just an aside - Australian readers noting all the above can disregard. Once the Ruby chassis, floorpans, scuttles, wings, accessories, were shipped here, they could end up as either tourers, roadsters, saloons, pick-ups or vans. Van bodies were generally built to suit the Ruby features, even though the Longbridge versions continued on for some years with the plated shells, RP-type fronts etc. And to my knowledge, none here had the gap below the doors for the spare wheel, either. Same with our pick-ups (both hard and soft tops), which we call Utes (utilities). Cheers, Bill in Oz

I've sold a few items to this vendor, he was a pleasure to deal with.

At the end of the day it is a usable and unusual Austin 7, as long as the price is right. In my opinion much more attractive than some of the aesthetically challenged pick-ups that have been made.

Yes, indeed a nice useable vehicle.

Interestingly, the DVLA website for MoT History says that this car was first used on 30 June 1936, checking the other DVLA website for Vehicle Tax, nothing was returned that does not seem to be unusual!

Last MoT'd in May 2012!

Location: Saltdean, Brighton

Having worked out who the vendor is I can report that he has a website, for those interested, with a fairly constant flow of cars coming in and out:

http://tickingtappets.uk

I have asked about the factory records he holds and will report back if he is willing to share them.

is he the one who names his cars on ebay?

He is, jon. Ruaridh, I'm interested in those records too.

Location: Herefordshire

Hi Folks
As the previous owner (some of you will know that) I had some years enjoying driving this around. I also enjoyed owning something so unusual. Driving an Austin Seven with room in the back was also very novel!
Both my wife and I were sorry to see it go, but with a Box saloon and a newly restored Ruby, I was running out of room, and I can't drive everything at the weekend! It was beginning to suffer, and I felt it was time someone else had some fun driving a van.
I won't go into the realms of 'originality', suffice to say there are an awful lot of 'original' Sevens running around that first appeared as 'replica's'. But who cares? An Austin Seven is an Austin Seven, no matter what body it has on it. Wasn't the first Lotus nothing but a 'replica sports'?
Let's enjoy our Sevens. Best of luck to whoever gets her, you will get lots of admiring looks when you drive her down the road!
Tatty Box Bill

Location: Kent

Will let you know if anything comes of my request, particularly interested in chassis number sold to GE and AC Pearl production numbers.

I don't think anyone is criticising your old Van or what it is Bill, the seller's description could be seen as slightly oblique and it is this that has raised the questions for sure. Any savvy seller will do their research and avoid the word original these days, those long-in-the-game dealers provide some rather fun and TIC descriptions - these appeal to me enormously.

Bill.

I thinks its ace. Id sooner have that van than the racy special I have.

Hi Hedd
Don't knock your special - I always fancied a Cambridge! Instead I got an Arrow (the earliest known, I believe). A Friday afternoon Austin Seven if ever there was one! The AA got to know the car almost as well as I did!!! Happy days.....

Location: Kent

Mines a Stiletto. Goes like stink. but I cant put bags of coal in the back

That would be me!
I wanted a usable car that my two bearded collies would fit in. It has quite a few Ruby bits and pieces; engine, gearbox, prop, back axle, dash panel and wheels. Wheels are being replaced with correct 19".
I found the vendor to be very helpful. He delivered the car for me from Dover to Worcestershire, which was a relief.
As for the naming convention from that vendor, my car has its name sign-written on the bonnet side, so it was previously named.
Unfortunately shortly after I started using the car the crown wheel and pinion gave up the ghost, but it's nearly all back together now. At least the job was easier than the RK Axle I had to do a couple of years ago.

It's good to be back.

Roly

Location: Upton upon Severn

Good to see you have another Seven Roly - good luck with the repairs.

As a general point, professional motor traders are governed by some pretty serious consumer protection legislation these days.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E", not a "T".

The eBay auction was finished early because the item was lost or broken.

Easily done. How many of us haven't lost or broken a car at some time or other.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E", not a "T".

Martin
i would say that you are being facetious

Location: Oakley ,Hants

What, ME?

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E", not a "T".