Alan and Mike, I don't disagree that the car pictured could be and probably is, 1923. I was saying that it is unlikely that it is earlier than fall of 1922. Would Herbert Austin entrust his two daughters with a prototype.? I wouldn't, but he did so with his gardener, Mr. Clinton with his wife and two young sons to go visit their sick daughter. This was before the Works Carnival. Yes, it is possible that some work was being carried out before April 18th. But it was then that a special area was set aside to construct the cars, the bodies being made in the main Works. We can, at this point, only rely on Edge's notes and other documentation. I would have thought a month to be enough time, given the people involved. But certainly, thought would have been given previously, to, for instance the wheels and who could build those, etc. Chris knows far more than I, having Edge's notes and other material. I only have access to a very limited amount of material. Perhaps Chris can confirm some dates. Mike, I agree that while the photo may say 1922 but be much later, is puzzling, but not unusual. In my work as a journalist, I have often found photos with the wrong date or person pictured. The date may only refer to the year the Seven was launched! Now, if we can only find out when Captain Waite bought Irene that coat, we might have an answer!
Erich in Mukilteo
Erich in Mukilteo