Highlights
- Fascinating pre-war Special
- Solid, very usable car with great patina
- Tantalising similarities to early Lotus cars
- Fitted with a Ford sidevalve engine
- All-aluminium hand-beaten bodywork
The Appeal
From time to time something truly fascinating comes our way and this is one of those times.
Here we have a gorgeous 1928 Austin Special with sleek, hand-crafted aluminium bodywork. What makes it particularly tantalising is that it contains elements that are similar to contemporary cars built by Colin Chapman who used similar running gear.
For example, Chapman moved the headlights outside the body of his early cars to improve cooling. This car retains the fixings inside its nose cone but clearly the lights have been relocated.
We aren’t claiming this as a Lotus – and neither is the owner – but it is certainly one intriguing aspect of a car that is short on history but long on character. Whatever its true origins, we do know that this Special looks good, goes well and will bring smiles with each mile.
The History and Paperwork
- Owned by the seller for seven years
- He re-registered the car with the DVLA on 9th October 2020
- At this point the car was issued with the current registration
- This is not the original registration and the owner has a different plate that came with the car
- The owner has undertaken some maintenance but focussed on retaining the car’s character
- The chassis is believed to be 1928 and this is recorded with the DVLA
- DVLA records also show a UK registration date of 28th August 1978
- It is unclear what this relates to
- No MOT history but of course it is exempt and tax free
The Condition
- Full hand-crafted aluminium body with great patina
- Black wire wheels in good condition with specialist vintage tyres
- Great detailing like the side exit exhaust and exposed carburettors
- Headlamps originally within nose cone but moved to exterior
- Simple interior with later Smiths dials in good order
- Aluminium bucket seats with brown leather bases
- Neat brown leather cabin roll
- 750 Motor Club badge in nose
- Evidence of previous red paintwork in various places
- Black tonneau cover
- Underside displays well with solid chassis and no noticeable issues to report
- Classic vintage big leather-rimmed wheel with some deterioration
The Mechanics
- Ford sidevalve 1,172cc 4cyl engine, rebuilt by TTP Performance
- Remote 4spd manual gearbox
- Rear axle believed to be from an early Sprite
- Unfortunately we know little of the car’s servicing and maintenance history
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.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
