Hello Nick,
Well done for doing the right things in joining a club and reading up before buying a car, this not only means you know what to look for, but you can also get more idea of what model you want.
As far as the 3 bearing engine goes then if you've done some reading already then you probably know most of what i'm about to say, but putting it all together might help. The 3 bearing engine has the potential to be a very good smooth and reliable unit.
The main problem with though is the centre main bearing, which may have left the factory in line with the others (Some reports suggest this was not always the case), but in most cases with the stresses put into the ali crankcase over the years this has become out of line with the others putting more stress into the crank, or if someone didn't understand this when rebuilding an engine it was not uncommon for oversize shells to be fitted to allow the crank to spin but not properly supporting it. This all means that a large amount of 3 bearing cranks are either bent or are cracked waiting to fail. There are of course many 3 bearing cars going well, and there are ways to rebuild the engine reliably should the worst happen, but this will be expensive, and you would be unlikely to find a good replacement crank. The usual advice is to machine out the centre main and fit a phoenix 2 bearing crank (I have had this done to one engine and it makes a good job). You do of course need different rods to do this. The secondary issue with the 3 bearing is the lubrication of the centre main, but again this can all be rectified, but again a cost of time. The benefits of the Mk2 ruby are in the semi girling brakes, which are easier to adjust and offer compensation front to rear, this helps the heavier car stop well, but the previous system on the Mk1 ruby or box in good fettle and well adjusted should prove completely satisfactory.
Have you thought about gearboxes? This may help your choice of models with box and ruby spanning 3 speed crash, 4 speed crash, 4 speed 2 synchro, 4 speed 3 synchro. (Note the marking 2 syn on box lids originally signified 2nd gear synchro aswell rather than only 2 synchros, though these could be swapped around and is no guarantee that what is inside matches the lid). I would say that double de clutching is surprisingly easy to pick up if you haven't done much before, and soon becomes second nature.
So if you're looking for a car to get out with right away, I would echo the advice of trying to find a car in current use with a local enthusiast, find as knowledgeable a member of your local club as possible to go with you and get them to drive the car if possible, and if looking at a mk2 3 bearing ruby, try to find one which has had the engine rebuilt by a specialist, and find out what was done about the centre main. If however you're looking for a project car then take someone who has restored the same model and knows what to look for and to get an idea of cost.
Hope all that helps a bit, and best of luck

Location: New Forest

Goodness, what a brilliant source of information this forum is! I was a bit nervous about writing my query before even becoming a bona-fide 7 owner but needn't have worried, so thanks ever so much for your input and advice chaps. Jon, Hedd and Timothy, you've put my mind at rest and helped reaffirm my own thoughts - which is to seek out a decent Box saloon, so I'll let you know how things go as the search progresses. Thanks again and all the best for now.

My Nippy has a standard 3 bearing engine which runs very smoothly and happily cruises at 50 mph. I'm well aware of the reputation this engine has for breaking crankshafts so I have got a 2 bearing engine in bits waiting to be rebuilt as a spare.

Location: Isle of Wight

Hi Nick,

I would not be too hasty in completely disregarding a 3 bearing engine, I have owned and worked on Sevens for a great many years, and during that time have built dozens of engines,, gearboxes axles etc for friends and club members. I have always avoided 3 bearing engines due to their reputation for breaking cranks, but recently I have become a bit of a convert. A couple of club members asked me to help with their Ruby engines, a well known contributor to this forum and 3 bearing exponent offered some advice, and suggested that they are in fact good engines. Well both are now reinstalled in the cars and running nicely, I have to say they are extremely smooth engines when compared to your average two bearing. Yes there are well publicized issues with the centre main housing, but these can be rectified and certainly appear worth the effort. The problem you have with any Seven, two or three bearing is the quality of the workmanship and maintenance done by past owners, a big file of bills is no guarantee that anything has been done correctly. Talk to club members, find out who uses and works on their car regularly, take advice from those with experience and a good track record and buy a car that gets used. I would also ask you to consider what you want from a seven and why you are purchasing one, the later cars become more refined and much more like a modern to drive (comparatively speaking) however the earlier cars are lighter, have more quirks and for some that is a big part of the fun and charm.

Location: Auckland NZ

I'm a 'newbie' I have had an A7 (RP) for less than a year. The process of finding the car really should not be internet based and can be a lot of fun.

You need to try other people's cars, talk to them and as you do so you will start to work out what it is you are looking for. People are surprisingly tolerant of those of us who asked rather stupid questions. One person's restoration may be another's 'project'. You do need to know what you are going to use the car for...

Put the word about with owners and specialists that you are looking for a car and in time something will come along. Do not drive hundreds of miles to look at a car. Chances are that the journey may tip you into a decision that you may come to regret.

I suppose others must have said all this already but the point I'm really making is about direct contact with owners, seeing stuff with your own eyes and making the whole experience much more 'human'.

From one Nick to another. You are getting very sound advice from the Friends and I hope that you will soon find your first 7. Do be warned - they are addictive. You must never leave a space in the garage or another one will come along and fill it.

Everyone has their preferences. Of the affordable 7s that I have driven I very much like the Opal and unless you need to carry four people regularly the model has an awful lot going for it.

I don't subscribe to the view that the later cars are 'not as good/desirable' as the earlier ones. They are simply different. In the same way that a modern VW Golf is very different from the first of the model. Some like the agile lightness of the first ones, others would prefer the more sophisticated but much bigger later models. My first 7 was/is a Ruby. I just love the shape of them and I never tire of driving it.

What you must be prepared for is that you will be dealing with a car that is eight or more decades old. Unless you are buying a totally restored example (and maybe even then!) there are many old components that may one day give up the ghost. It's a fact of life and part of the 'fun'.(I say that with tongue in cheek). There are many slightly scary stories out there about 7s. Lousy braking, vague steering etc. Yes, they can be affected by those things and more but don't be too concerned by them. A well-sorted Seven (and they can all be sorted) is a thing of joy. As for crank breaking - of course it is possibility, but I know of people who have run Sevens (2 and 3 bearing) all their long lives for thousands and thousands of miles and never had it occur. Luck of the dice perhaps but I wouldn't lose sleep over it or be put off from a particular engine.

Good luck with the hunt. Enjoy the process and take the plunge when it feels right.

Location: North Herts

I would agree with Nick that the later Sevens have a lot going for them, particularly the Opal which combines pleasing lines, relative lightness with good brakes and a remarkably smooth engine. Important, however, to know that your three bearing engine has been assembled with careful alignment and useful to run it with an oil filter to prolong life off centre bearing.
Given the above I reckon a three bearing engine should give plenty of miles of enjoyable driving and if you want to discuss the weather or Brexit or any other contentious issue you won't have to compete with a rumbling rear main bearing!

Charles

Location: Norfolk

Hi Nick

My Fathers 1936 Ruby Mk2 will be for sale shortly. Its a smart car in green with black wings, what would probably be best described as an older restoration. The interior is largely original with seats showing the patina of age, but without the collapsed drivers seat base which so many have.

I have used it on numerous occasions as our spare car when my modern broke down, last year that was a regular occurrence! There are a couple of youtube in car videos online, one which I will attempt to load here.

My parents live nr Dawlish, but the car is currently at a friends house in mid Devon. It is in give it a wash and drive it away condition.

All the best

Stuart

Location: Teignmouth

The high frequency rattle is the camera rattling against the windscreen!

Location: Teignmouth

Location: Teignmouth

Nice video Stuart -- thought you would never get there, wherever you were going.

Sounds like you've got a marble in the ashtray?

Charles. Norfolk, the empty quarter.

Location: Norfolk

Location: Teignmouth

I was on my way to work on some ones boat at the boat yard in Totness, and I did get there, in the end.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=663838770354323&set=pb.100001846188377.-2207520000.1475750977.&type=3&theater

Location: Teignmouth

Hi Stuart,
And many thanks for your post and the videos - I've sent you a message re your Fathers Ruby via your own email link, so hope it reaches you OK.

Many thanks and best regards

Nick