Highlights
- Total restoration completed in 2016
- Stored in a Carcoon since late 2017
- Won 'Best in Show' in 2016 at Allington
- Registered on the Hamblin Cadet register, one of only 26 cars
- Participated in the Austin 7 centenary celebration at the 2022 British Grand Prix
- Signed by Pierre Gasly
The Appeal
First put up for sale in 1958, the Hamblin Cadet was offered in magazine advertisements across the country by the Hamblin Company of Sherborne. A lightweight, speedy little kit for the Austin 7, it was launched at a perfect time - the Austin 7 had ceased production in 1939, and were now cheaper than chips. What could be more enticing to a tinkerer than taking the little economy car into the world of sporty kit cars?
Nowadays, only 26 are registered on the Hamblin Cadet register, and the popularity of a quirky little sports car has never been higher. This incredibly evocative classic is bound to turn plenty of heads. 'Bike-spoke' wheels, an array of stopwatches and a suitably evocative name ("Reet Petite"!) make for a particularly charming motor.
This example - built from an Austin 7 in 1959 - comes to in excellent overall condition, with a history of many awards and rosettes. It even took part in the Austin 7 Centenary, conveying Pierre Gasly (who also signed the car) around Silverstone at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
Reet Petite she may be - and that's exactly why we expect this little special will attract plenty of attention.
Nowadays, only 26 are registered on the Hamblin Cadet register, and the popularity of a quirky little sports car has never been higher. This incredibly evocative classic is bound to turn plenty of heads. 'Bike-spoke' wheels, an array of stopwatches and a suitably evocative name ("Reet Petite"!) make for a particularly charming motor.
This example - built from an Austin 7 in 1959 - comes to in excellent overall condition, with a history of many awards and rosettes. It even took part in the Austin 7 Centenary, conveying Pierre Gasly (who also signed the car) around Silverstone at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
Reet Petite she may be - and that's exactly why we expect this little special will attract plenty of attention.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally built in 1936
- Rebodied into a Hamblin Cadet in 1959
- The DVLA records 3 previous keepers
- Total restoration completed in 2016 (The restoration book comes with the car)
- Won 'Best in Show' in 2016 at Allington
- In current ownership since 2017
- Stored in a Carcoon while in current ownership
- Exhibited at Haynes in their 'Rare Breeds 100'
- Participated in the Austin 7 centenary celebration, conveying Pierre Gasly around Silverstone in the drivers' parade during the 2022 British Grand Prix
- Pierre Gasly has also signed the vehicle
- Registered on the Hamblin Cadet register - one of only 26 cars
- Indicates 81,299 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Selling to downsize car collection
The Condition
- Beautifully presented, with a fibreglass body on a 1936 steel frame
- Everything looks in good order, with only minor spots of corrosion and wear
- Some cracking around one of the windscreen frames
- Belts, brightwork and seals are well-presented
- Pierre Gasly's signature sits proudly on the bodywork
- Lightweight spoked wheels carry some patches of wear
- Underside appears solid
- Cabin is very nicely presented
- All electrics appear in smart condition
- Very evocative, with a charming array of stopwatches mounted on the dash
- Some fogging to the instruments, commensurate with age
- The fuel gauge does not work as there is no sender in the tank, and hasn't been since conversion
- Unique and attracts attention wherever it goes
The Mechanics
- 747cc straight-4 engine
- Manual transmission
- Engine bay looks in very good order
- The engine needs proper tuning as it's a bit 'lumpy' at idle
- Run on Millers oils, which have been replaced every year
- Converted to 12v, with an electronic distributor and electric water pump and fans
- We understand that the car is driving very well with no mechanical issues to note
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