These elegant, special-bodied Austin Sevens were built by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, the forerunner of Jaguar. 

Based in Blackpool, the company started life manufacturing motorcycle sidecars in 1922, but under the direction of the young and ambitious William Lyons, it quickly moved into building motor bodies by 1926. The key to its expansion was an order for 500 Austin Sevens with a special body design placed by London-based motor dealer Henlys in 1927. 

Compared with the standard utilitarian-looking Seven, the Swallow coachwork was dignified, distinctive and fashionable. Two-tone colour schemes, a unique radiator shape, a rounded rear bodyline and a luxurious interior were all distinctive details.

The success of the order meant a move in 1928 to new premises at the heart of the flourishing British motor industry in Coventry. By the time this example of the Austin Seven Swallow was bodied, the company was moving towards the construction of its first complete car, the SS1, which was launched in 1931. This led to the end of the special Swallow body for Austin Sevens in 1932, after a production run of around 3,500.