Highlights
- Tastefully finished restomod
- Comprehensively restored
- Impressive history file
The Appeal
The Austin 7 was built to get Britain on the road. This cheap and cheerful solution not only demonstrated Austin's ability to perfect the small car for the masses but also spawned several notable brands into the motoring landscape. Furthermore, its contribution towards the kit car industry also fuelled the UK’s standing in motorsports.
Originally conceived to save the Austin company from a real threat of failure, the design template to ‘make a big car in miniature’ was rewarded by its simplicity, ease of use and cheeky unique character, all attributes that make it so very appealing today. Available in several body shapes, it is the sporting open-top versions have held a particular appeal to enthusiasts.
This utterly charming example has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, with a unique hand-formed alloy body. Subjected to an engine rebuild with several performance enhancements in 2019 and rebuilt again in 2020. Its spartan but beautifully finished cockpit boasts Aston Martin leather fabric and also has the benefit of several restomod enhancements, including hydraulic brakes, a 4-speed gearbox, LED headlamps and indicators. There is plenty of provenance with the car, which includes a pile of invoices, club magazines, manuals and details of recent owners.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in May 1934
- The subject of a two-year restoration on an original RP chassis completed in 2018
- Engine rebuild in 2020
- Over £3,500 worth of performance enhancements fitted to the previous engine
- Impressive history file
- Invoices covering parts, engine work and upgrades
- The V5c present, along with several older issues
- Owners club magazines, technical articles and original manuals
- MOT and Tax-exempt
- The last MOT carried out in 2018 with no advisories
The Interior
- Retrimmed bucket-style green leather seats with red piping in excellent condition
- Black carpets fitted throughout the cockpit
- The wooden dashboard has the lightest of patina
- Dials and controls appear to work correctly
- Doll’s-eye Speedometer
- Glovebox with Bakelite handle
- Fitted with an operational choke
- The steering wheel is in good shape with light wear
- A genuine and fully operational Klaxon horn
- Swan-neck gearshift
- The large lidded storage area behind the front seats is fully carpeted
- Leather interior-side panels in good shape
The Exterior
- Chassis intact and coated with inhibitor
- The tub is in excellent condition with no panel damage and a solid floor
- The bonnet fitting has minor alignment issues and a few mild dents but latches onto the body tightly
- Wheel guards are all intact
- Very appealing green paintwork finished to a decent standard with very little in terms of marks or scuffs
- Aero screen glass is in excellent condition
- The brightwork is in good order, commensurate with the authentic presentation of the car
- The owner has pointed out a damaged front number plate
- LED headlights
- Functional rear and front indicators sensitively fitted to be removable if desired
- Body paint spoke wheels in very good shape with tight spokes
- The Longstone tyre walls have cracks but retain a good even thread
The Mechanics
- Two-bearing 750cc engine with uprated alloy head
- Four-speed gearbox replacing the original three-speed item
- Rebuilt HS2 SU carburettor fitted to an ALR inlet manifold and tubular exhaust manifold
- The engine starts up with no untoward noises heard from the engine
- Idles smoothly with no reports of oil pressure or engine temperature issues
- Said to pull well with no issues in terms of stopping
- Hydraulic brakes upgrade
- Rewired as part of the 2020 complete engine overhaul
- Recently rebuilt Armoto dynamo, new 6-volt battery and isolator fitted
- Engine presentation is very positive with nothing more than a little seepage
- The leaf springs and exhaust are well-presented
- Brake lines, hoses and ancillaries are in very good order
Summary
A beguiling and unique take on the Austin 7, this lovingly crafted example manages to encompass everything that is so attractive about the original. With the benefit of a recent engine rebuild, along with its overhauled running gear and bespoke body shell, the car is a testament to the ingenuity of the individual who created this Special. With the Ulster versions of the Austin 7 attracting serious interest, this tuned and well-built restomod is a superb opportunity to experience the same visceral thrills at a fraction of the cost.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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