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Austin Nippy


Just how nippy, was the Nippy?
Technically the Nippy had a curved front axle, underslung rear springs and had a tuned 21bhp engine. According to figures reproduced at the time it had a maximum speed of 65mph. To cover a standing quarter mile took 27 seconds and the little sports car averaged 40 to 45 miles to the gallon. So it was nippy enough and some 1936 examples had a more powerful pressure-lubricated engine from the more powerful Speedy model.

Not really for boy racers then?
On the contrary, boy and girl racers of the era who were buying on a budget regarded the Nippy as ideal transport. Indeed, this was the cheapest sports four wheeler on the market at just £142.

How did the Nippy come about?
Originally this rounded back two seater model was known as the Sports 65 and was introduced in 1933. The name Nippy was used from 1934 until the model was discontinued in 1937. The only difference in outward appearance in the Nippy from the Sports 65 was a revised hood and cover, also the side lights were positioned on the front wings.

You mentioned the Seven Speedy, was it?
The more expensive at £172 and arguably prettier 1934 Sports 75 (Speedy) failed to sell and was discontinued in 1935 and yes it was speedy. Meanwhile Austin kept on building the reliable Nippy and some 682 were built.

Did Nippys get used in motor racing?
It was not an out and out racer, but like many Sevens in later years it formed the basis for lots of specials because in the 1950s the kit car industry started to take off in the UK. At the time when an old Seven was worth just a few shillings, a much better idea was to throw away the rusty body and fit a glass fibre one to the existing chassis. Indeed the first Lotus was actually a rebodied Austin seven.

Vehicle statistics

Body type: saloon

Colour: red

Engine size: 885 cc

Year: 1936

Top Speed: 65

Registration: AOX 172

Chassis: 214461

Engine number: M2000087