If you think that modifying cars is a relatively new phenomenon, then think again.
For years, enthusiasts have been trying their best to make cars look different and go faster - and one of the first cars to be popular on the modifying scene was the humble Austin Seven. The little car that first put Britain on wheels was also one of the first to be turned into home-built racers or trials cars, thanks to their wide availability and low purchase cost.
Indeed, the whole cult of modifying Austin Sevens has continued and it's still a popular part of automotive culture today, with the little cars still hugely popular with trials drivers, and also in organised circuit racing via the 750 Motor Club. The cars may be old, but a lot of the enthusiasts are youngsters, which is great news for the future of vintage motorsport.
This 1932 example was built in the 1990s from a barn-find chassis, and is a two-seater touring body that’s eligible for 750 events – a great chance to break into budget motorsport or enjoy a charming vintage microcar.
The Seven has been part of a private collection for the past few years, having been purchased by an enthusiast who is now slimming down his substantial collection of classics cars as the storage space is required for business purposes, while he is also spending an increasing amount of time in California so can’t really use them.
The car has been maintained by his own mechanic, employed to look after his vehicles, who is handling the sale on his behalf.
It comes with a UK V5C, some old MOTs and tax discs and lots of bills and invoices relating to its rebuild in the 1990s, though some of these are in ‘deconstructed’ format having been nibbled by a mouse in the owner’s filing cabinet!
It also has a few certificates form shows it attended in the past, including one where it won a prize.
As you might expect from an Austin Seven, the cabin is pretty basic. It's also a bit of a squeeze. The owner recommends that tall drivers need not apply!
The seats are sports bucket items that have been reupholstered in black leather. Other than those, the steering wheel, the pedals and the dials there isn't much else to report but what is there is in good working order.
Built on a standard Seven chassis, the diminutive Austin is a gorgeous little thing and retains all of the standard front body panels and side-hinged bonnet. The touring body is tiny but well-finished, with a full hood and a clip-on tonneau cover that was made for the car.
Period details include a Shell Motor Spirit oil can on the running board, plus a race-spec pop-off fuel cap should you wish to use it for competition.
It also comes with a period fire extinguisher and electric lamps and sidelamps. The 40-spoke wire wheels are in good order and are fitted with period-correct tyres.
The paint is actually an Audi colour and there’s a can of touch-up paint in the glove compartment. It’s in tidy condition, but with a few marks and scrapes, as can be expected of a near-30yr old restoration.
Under the bonnet you’ll find the traditional 747cc Austin Seven powerplant, of which millions were built over a production run spanning more than 20 years. It hasn’t been used much in recent years but the vendor says it’s in running condition, and that the steering, suspension and cable brakes are in decent working order.
This is a lovely old car with a charming patina – rescued and restored loner ago than most cars survive for, and loved and used sparingly since. It’s not perfect but it’s in good overall order and ready for its new owner to enjoy in a multitude of different ways.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1932 Austin Seven Special
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