[Rex RAP]

My friend sent me these photos,claiming it is a Austin Ruby. The doors look like that of a Morris Eight. Can anyone identify what model this car is?

[wasif]

Originally Posted by Rex RAP

My friend sent me these photos,claiming it is a Austin Ruby. The doors look like that of a Morris Eight. Can anyone identify what model this car is?

Yes that is a 34 to 36 Austin Seven Ruby alright but those doors do look a bit odd as these cars usually came with full doors without any dip in them.

Maybe its an alteration or a special coachbuilt body. Those lines do look professionally done though and that windscreen is also very unusual

Below is what an Austin Seven Ruby looks like. The red one is a Roadster

[vintagepoint5]

Yes this is Austin Ruby of mid-30's (33-38), never seen like these curve door, it is straight no curve, even door handle seems to be moved down and rear part below dicky seems to be modded. Windscreen came in single glass, radiator grille were body colour after 33 models. We used to have 2 cars similar models. Trafficator was closed in this picture, actually came as shown in pic posted by Wasif. Our Austin-7 were runner, we even drove off track in fields and streams.

[TractionAvant]

If I remember right, the Ruby was a saloon, the Pearl- a cabriolet & the opal- a roadster.

Those doors definitely look non standard

Aditya

[Rex RAP]

I picked up this last week. Other than that it is an Austin, I cannot recognise what model it is.

[harit]

Originally Posted by Rex RAP

I picked up this last week. Other than that it is an Austin, I cannot recognise what model it is.

Ouch!!
Do you have the grill?
You have an uphill task. You need to find a similar car with a helpful owner who will allow you to copy the missing parts. You have two options, restore back to original, very painful, or make a fun car out of her.
Good Luck

Cheers harit

[KPS]

Rex Rap, I hope that this not your first project If you have not had experience in restoration earlier, believe me this will test every bit of your character. This is a tough job. Hope you have doors/lights/trims in place. Since you do not know the model, I guess the book is missing.

All the best

KPS

[Rex RAP]

No this is not my first restoration... but the first one of a 'basket case'!! I have the book, but unfortunately the page where the make etc is listed has water dropped on it. The ink pen entries have been smudged. I will ask the RTO for a duplicate. No grille, no lights, no nothing else than what I have shown here. I am planning to cast a second glance at this only after the other Austin is ready, so that means silence on this for an year at least.

[wasif]

Originally Posted by Rex RAP

I picked up this last week. Other than that it is an Austin, I cannot recognise what model it is.

Are you absolutely sure its an Austin ? Is there a RC book that maches the chassic / engine numbers on this car and confirms its an Austin ?

It looks more like a Fiat Ballila to me.

Where did it come from orignally and what is its reg number ?

The cowl is typical of a Fiat and is not one that normally comes on an Austin and so are the rims and the rib on top of the cowl ?

There was an identical Ballila lying in Hyderabad long ago.

[Rex RAP]

I got it from Hyderabad, from the chap who owned it for the last twenty years. APX regn.. The chap who got it for me 'claimed' that it was an Austin, but he is going to get the photos of the car when it was in 'complete' shape, so we will hopefully come to know then. Or when I get the duplicate RC from the RTO.

[wasif]

Well there you go, I was sure it looked familiar.

It is not an Austin but a Fiat Ballila like I said earlier.

The central rib that staerts on top of the cowl and continues on the bonnet is something that was distinct on these thirties Ballilas.

[vintagepoint5]

I also have same feeling that this pics does not look like familiar Austin shape. Steering look like of Ford, cowl also may be American cars like Ford. From rear Austin 10 have different design, anyway let us wait for more pics or confirmation from RC book.

But geting parts also very difficult task anyway wish you all the best.

[Rex RAP]

@wasif, would you have any pictures of how this car would look like in a 'complete' form?

[vintagepoint5]

Hi Rex Rap,

Here you will find some pictures of Fiat Balila, you will find more details on this site:

Source: Fiat Balilla 508 - Prospekte

Cheers!

[vintageman]

Hello Rex RAP ,

To add to the confusion , I would suggest it is a 1930 FIAT 514 , with 2 rims retrofitted later.

The number plate on the second photograph should be of interest to our team-bhp numerologists - the year 1947 place Kalimpong.

Regards
Chauhan