Said to have been inspired by the Peugeot Quadrilette, the perennially classic Austin Seven was announced in 1922.

Amazingly, its tiny splash-lubricated 696cc (soon increased to 747cc) engine was designed by an 18-year old draughtsman called Stanley Edge.

Upon its release, the Seven immediately became the smallest four cylinder-engined car on the British market.

It featured four-wheel brakes, suspension by a semi-elliptic transverse spring at the front, quarter elliptic units at the rear, and was steered by a worm and wheel system.

The Austin Seven: 290,000 were made between 1922-1939

Taken to heart by the British public, the Seven remained in production between 1922-1939 during which time some 290,000 were made.

This 1930 example is finished in blue with black wings and has a black coloured interior.

It has the 747cc engine coupled to the early three-speed gearbox. The car is understood to have been restored a number of years ago, prior to being held in long-term storage.

Classed alongside the Model T Ford, Volkswagen Beetle and Morris Minor as one of the most popular cars ever produced, this vintage automobile carries an estimate of just £7,000-8,000.

It will auction on Wednesday April 21 at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK