Auctioned on Saturday 20th September.
Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctions Ltd
Thorney Business Park Thorney Lane North Iver SL0 9HF
Iver
1 Previous Owner, This lot will be auctioned via Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctioneers at The Pace of Autumn; Ascot Racecourse sale on Saturday 20th September. Offered from 60-year ownership. Desirable Cambridge bodywork and modification. Beyond their boundless success in Formula One, what do Lotus Cars and McLaren have in common? The answer lies before either constructor lined up on the grid for the first time, let alone turned a wheel: Colin Chapmans first Lotus - the Mark 1 - was based on an Austin 7s running gear, while a young Bruce McLaren learnt to drive - and even won his first race - at the wheel of an Austin 7.The 'Baby Austin' was produced from 1922-1939 and was one of the very earliest mass-market cars. One of the most popular cars ever produced, it wiped out most of the British small cars in the early 1920s and had a similar effect on the British market to that of the Model T Ford in the United States. Today the plucky 7 remains beloved in vintage car circles, either as an embodiment of early motoring, or an entry into the wild world of trialling and rallying.While production ceased in 1939 (by which point Austin had almost reached 300,000 units), after the Second World War, many 7s were rebuilt as Specials. The car you see here was rebodied by Cambridge Engineering with much sportier bodywork, intended for hill climbs and trials. It was found abandoned on the side of the road in 1965, and was nursed back to health over a period of years. Marque expert Vince Leek restored the engine and running gear in their entirety in 1978, and six years later the bodywork received some well-earned TLC. From then onwards, the owner mainly pottered about in his Austin 7, entertaining family and friends and totting up a mere 3500 miles in that time. He passed away earlier this year, and now his family believe its time for a new owner to enjoy his pride and joy, be it trialling in muddy fields, or simply enjoying the sunshine on some country lanes. Consigned by Charlie McCreery
