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 was so vibrant in its day that it led to Austin introducing its very own performance models, designed to be used in competition. Firstly came the Super Sport and then, in 1929, the delightful ‘Ulsterr, named after the Northern Irish province in which the prestigious Tourist Trophy race was held. A total of 168 factory produced boat-tailed Ulsters were made and today they’re hugely collectable.
This one is a replica, built by a young enthusiast onto the chassis of a dismantled Tourer that had been off the road since 1967 – and it’s a truly gorgeous thing!
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Rebuilt over a nine-month period in 2022-23
Manufactured 1931 – originally a Tourer
UK V5C
Tax and MOT exempt
Matching chassis and engine numbers
Original Tourer is believed to have been used as Dr Sweet’s car in the TV Series ‘Z Cars’
Stored from 1967 to 2018
Dismantled by previous owner and bought by vendor as a chassis and engine with various parts
Built from scratch using Ulster inspiration and measurements – the vendor is a young engineer and works on high-end classic and supercars for a living
Invoices and receipts for over £6,000 in parts acquired for the build
THE INTERIOR
Retrimmed by renowned Austin 7 upholsterer Simon Laxton
Bespoke Etna Bourbon trim
Patent plaque
Gloriously basic
As you might expect from an Austin Seven, the cabin is pretty basic. It's also a bit of a squeeze – though the vendor is over six feet tall and manages to get in and out in relative comfort.
The seats are sports items that have been reupholstered in bespoke Etna Bourbon leather Simon Laxton, a renowned upholsterer who is very well known in Austin Seven circles. 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, and there’s even a rev counter!
THE EXTERIOR
Repainted by vendor in coach enamel
Constructed onto rebuilt short chassis
Refurbished 19-inch Tudor wheels
Detachable Brooklands aero screens
Built on a standard Seven short chassis, the diminutive Austin is a gorgeous little thing and retains all of the standard front body panels and side-hinged bonnet, but is otherwise a bespoke build. The vendor restored the chassis first and the fitted the Ulster body, which he painted himself in a domestic garage – the finish isn’t perfect, but it’s authentic to how a special would have looked back in the day and is extremely presentable, with masses of charm. It’s a genuinely lovely thing.
It sits on 40-spoke 19-inch Tudor wheels, equipped with brand-new Blockley tyres
THE MECHANICS
747cc side-valve four
Rebuilt in 1994
Starts and runs
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. The chassis and engine numbers match and the unit was disassembled and refurbished where necessary by the vendor during the car’s restoration.
It has the correct Ulster lowered front suspension, a shorter Z-core radiator, lowered steering box housing, DK4A distributor with mechanical advance, 1¼” SU carb, a hand-made exhaust, a new clutch, the release bearing changed to one from a four-speed, new brake cables, new brake shoe linings, suspension bushes all round, new shock absorber friction plates, a new motometer, rev counter and oil pressure gauge.
The engine, gearbox and rear axle have been apart, inspected and resealed, and new parts added where required. The oil pump pick up has been lengthened to accommodate the deeper Ulster sump pan.
SUMMARY
This is a lovely old car with a huge amount of charm – rescued and restored in a highly personalised fashion that replicates some of the most famous early performance cars and a true labour of love for the vendor, who is distraught to have to sell it but needs to do so to fund the deposit for an imminent house purchase.
It’s a fantastic thing – great fun and very well-executed, ready to be thoroughly enjoyed by its next lucky owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
