First Pre-war car - Where to begin?
Discussion
I've always loved pre-war cars, right from being a little kid, but now I'm in my mid 20's (with no responsibilities as such), I think I need to scratch that itch! Ending up seeing the cars on the VSCC Autumn run, 2nd time in a row, with no forward planning by myself as prompted me to do something about it!
For the past 8 months or so, I've been (idly) looking at a Austin 7's (missed out on a couple around the £3k-£5k mark, which I'm now kicking myself about), as they seem the most basic/affordable cars to own and run (from my limited research).
I don't mind a restoration job (as long as it's not a complete chassis rebuild). The only requirement I have is that it must be an open top.
Are there any other cars I should be looking at? Any advice would be much appreciated!
For the past 8 months or so, I've been (idly) looking at a Austin 7's (missed out on a couple around the £3k-£5k mark, which I'm now kicking myself about), as they seem the most basic/affordable cars to own and run (from my limited research).
I don't mind a restoration job (as long as it's not a complete chassis rebuild). The only requirement I have is that it must be an open top.
Are there any other cars I should be looking at? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Morris 8, ford A, standard, Hillman...
Pre-war cars are simple but (waiting the abuse) not really suited to 21st century roads. They are very difficult to drive, need constant concentration, woeful brakes, slow performance, zero safety equipment and will leak, wont be able to lock...
I have been fortunate to have driven a few. I enjoyed the challenge, but only in short bursts please. If I was to ever own one, it would only ever be as a 3rd/4th car (this might say more about me then about the cars, of course...)
Pre-war cars are simple but (waiting the abuse) not really suited to 21st century roads. They are very difficult to drive, need constant concentration, woeful brakes, slow performance, zero safety equipment and will leak, wont be able to lock...
I have been fortunate to have driven a few. I enjoyed the challenge, but only in short bursts please. If I was to ever own one, it would only ever be as a 3rd/4th car (this might say more about me then about the cars, of course...)
Woody,
You should get along to some more VSCC meetings and chat to people. There are quite a few younger members. Trials and Hillclimbs are the most fun / accessible.
You need to check the eligibility list I don't think Morris 8's are accepted. Model A Ford or Austin 7 are probably the best way to start. Although there are other slightly more expensive cars such as Riley and Singer.
Despite William's view not all Vintage Cars are slow.
Kind regards
Rob
You should get along to some more VSCC meetings and chat to people. There are quite a few younger members. Trials and Hillclimbs are the most fun / accessible.
You need to check the eligibility list I don't think Morris 8's are accepted. Model A Ford or Austin 7 are probably the best way to start. Although there are other slightly more expensive cars such as Riley and Singer.
Despite William's view not all Vintage Cars are slow.
Kind regards
Rob
Austin 7 would be the obvious route in, not all are accepted by the VSCC though. Sounds like you are after a chummy. Getting something good on your budget will be tricky but get your name out there and see what happens. There are a few other options but there wouldn't be the large network of owners / clubs / parts / suppliers etc.
The VSCC is great but competition wise it's quite serious, there are smaller and more relaxed events, I do a few Austin 7 trials that are great fun and won't break the cars.
The VSCC is great but competition wise it's quite serious, there are smaller and more relaxed events, I do a few Austin 7 trials that are great fun and won't break the cars.
Thank you for the replies chaps.
If I can, I'll try and find the links to the ones I missed out on.
I've added the other suggestions on my list now.
How does one get their name out there? Local clubs, I assume?
Is joining the VSCC a must? I just feel, that on my budget, I'll probably end up with one that doesn't quite meet their requirements.
Thanks again anyway, and I'll post the links if I can find them!
If I can, I'll try and find the links to the ones I missed out on.
I've added the other suggestions on my list now.
How does one get their name out there? Local clubs, I assume?
Is joining the VSCC a must? I just feel, that on my budget, I'll probably end up with one that doesn't quite meet their requirements.
Thanks again anyway, and I'll post the links if I can find them!
Woody3 said:
Thank you for the replies chaps.
If I can, I'll try and find the links to the ones I missed out on.
I've added the other suggestions on my list now.
How does one get their name out there? Local clubs, I assume?
Is joining the VSCC a must? I just feel, that on my budget, I'll probably end up with one that doesn't quite meet their requirements.
Thanks again anyway, and I'll post the links if I can find them!
I wouldn't say the VSCC is a must, but it is a good club and there are some very knowledgeable and generous people who are members. (They also do young persons events). It's worth joining a club of some sort though, you will at least get cheaper insurance!If I can, I'll try and find the links to the ones I missed out on.
I've added the other suggestions on my list now.
How does one get their name out there? Local clubs, I assume?
Is joining the VSCC a must? I just feel, that on my budget, I'll probably end up with one that doesn't quite meet their requirements.
Thanks again anyway, and I'll post the links if I can find them!
You may be able to find a local pub "noggin & natter" for old car people near you. There are loads, usually monthly in a pub somewhere.
depends on your budget really, the only issue that I have ever had in the past has always been braking...in wet weather or if travelling a long way down hill... it can get a little worrying looking to see what will do the least damage if you use it as a "buffer" to stop, but that said, most of what I have previously had has been very big and heavy stuff...
I've always had a pre war car about since I first drove in the late sixties and they have always been great fun. As a starter it has to be an Austin 7 really with unsurpassed spares availability great clubs plus suitable events.
The pity for newcomers is that a vintage Chummy is now so expensive.Being such fun is one reason the other is that many of the lesser vintage makes have poor part support and are really slow and dreadful on the road while the latter applies to an unmodified A7 you can enjoy an A7 special and be surprised how it can go.A possible cheaper option is a cammy Minor where engine parts being as MG M type mean it can be upgraded.
I like using my cars not parking in a field so do such VSCC events as I can.
The Alvis SD 12/50 beetleback I have will see 80 mph and has brakes which
while adequate are not disks. My previous Sunbeam 20.9 actually had vacuum
servo brakes of surprising power for a 1928 car.On the average A road I run at 55-60 mph so the 12/50 is very usuable. Unfortunately the majority of the mass market cars of the period Bullnose Morris Austin 12 etc etc will not perform like this and can be a drag to drive any distance. Some owners still do of course!
It is essential to join some clubs as the best cars usually are sold by word of mouth or within a club.Join the VSCC and marshall a few trials (they are packed with specials many A7s of course) and you may get the loan of a car or perhaps more likely an invite go bouncing with someone. Could go on but---
The pity for newcomers is that a vintage Chummy is now so expensive.Being such fun is one reason the other is that many of the lesser vintage makes have poor part support and are really slow and dreadful on the road while the latter applies to an unmodified A7 you can enjoy an A7 special and be surprised how it can go.A possible cheaper option is a cammy Minor where engine parts being as MG M type mean it can be upgraded.
I like using my cars not parking in a field so do such VSCC events as I can.
The Alvis SD 12/50 beetleback I have will see 80 mph and has brakes which
while adequate are not disks. My previous Sunbeam 20.9 actually had vacuum
servo brakes of surprising power for a 1928 car.On the average A road I run at 55-60 mph so the 12/50 is very usuable. Unfortunately the majority of the mass market cars of the period Bullnose Morris Austin 12 etc etc will not perform like this and can be a drag to drive any distance. Some owners still do of course!
It is essential to join some clubs as the best cars usually are sold by word of mouth or within a club.Join the VSCC and marshall a few trials (they are packed with specials many A7s of course) and you may get the loan of a car or perhaps more likely an invite go bouncing with someone. Could go on but---
Edited by FreeDrinkSpotter on Tuesday 9th September 17:25
Again, thank you for the replies. Really appreciated!
The brakes don't worry me too much as my first cars were all classic Mini's, some running on all round drum brakes, so I have a bit of experience with brake fade and the likes (albeit some 10-12 years ago). The Mini's taught me how to drive, as you had to "drive" it.
Regarding speed and comfort, I don't actually mind the slowness or the uncomfortable ride. I drive a Defender daily, so an Austin 7 might be an improvement, plus I've done the speed thing in the 911.
FreeDrinkSpotter - I can't believe you've just mentioned Alvis's. This is what I want to aim for in years to come. I was having afternoon tea at Edensor, Chatsworth earlier this year and this turned up. It was absolutely incredible. Elegance at its finest. Wasn't you, was it?
The brakes don't worry me too much as my first cars were all classic Mini's, some running on all round drum brakes, so I have a bit of experience with brake fade and the likes (albeit some 10-12 years ago). The Mini's taught me how to drive, as you had to "drive" it.
Regarding speed and comfort, I don't actually mind the slowness or the uncomfortable ride. I drive a Defender daily, so an Austin 7 might be an improvement, plus I've done the speed thing in the 911.
FreeDrinkSpotter - I can't believe you've just mentioned Alvis's. This is what I want to aim for in years to come. I was having afternoon tea at Edensor, Chatsworth earlier this year and this turned up. It was absolutely incredible. Elegance at its finest. Wasn't you, was it?
Not mine Woody but wish it was! Dave is right.
Mine is in polished aluminium (well sort of polished!) with maroon cycle wings
but the same model and similar in appearance. Shipped to Australia
in 1928 bodied as a beetleback (unusually as most went as chassis only)
returned in the 90's. Raced and rallied over there but still a "matching
numbers" car as its build sheet. I just do VSCC tours and driving tests
but having marshalled at Loton for years might try a hillclimb next year
for fun.
FDS mentions pre-war Minors, if you're not fussed about VSCC competition then maybe a sidevalve Minor, as opposed to cammy Minor or A7, may be an option? I bought this one a few years ago, it's not on the road yet but should be a fun alternative to "common" 
A7s.
If you're after something larger than an A7, then looking at US-built cars might be worthwhile, this is mine.
A Model A would be a good bet, plus parts availability is surprisingly good in the UK.
RJ
A7s.If you're after something larger than an A7, then looking at US-built cars might be worthwhile, this is mine.
A Model A would be a good bet, plus parts availability is surprisingly good in the UK.
RJ
Personally, I'd recommend the A7 route, they are simple to work on. easy to get parts for and there are lots of Rallies, Trials, Sprints and Races you can take part in.
For a road car there are lots body shapes and choices you can make, including foreign variants, such as the Dixi, Rosengart, American Austin, Nissan and of course the first ever Jaguar car from Swallow, budget may need some tweaking dependent on your appetite for work.
There are lots of simple modifications you can make if you feel the need to improve handling and brakes etc, obviously these modifications need to be done with your eyes open to originality, there is lots of support on forums etc for trouble shooting.
prices run from about 1K - 250K+ (box of bits all the way up to a factory twin cam)
Competition, brings on all sorts of specials, such as ulsters, monoposts, twin cam replicas, trials specials etc etc,
There are lots of clubs around the A7, A7CA, VSCC, 750MC, Pre War A7 club etc
http://a7ca.org/memberclubs.php#associate
For VSCC eligibility as a vintage it would need to be a pre 1929 short chassis A7
Bruce McLaren, Colin Chapman, Sir Stirling Moss, have raced and modified A7's
I currently own 2 A7's a 1929 Ulster replica and a 1936 supercharged monopost, so am somewhat biased
First Pic is the Ulster, second is the monopost
For a road car there are lots body shapes and choices you can make, including foreign variants, such as the Dixi, Rosengart, American Austin, Nissan and of course the first ever Jaguar car from Swallow, budget may need some tweaking dependent on your appetite for work.
There are lots of simple modifications you can make if you feel the need to improve handling and brakes etc, obviously these modifications need to be done with your eyes open to originality, there is lots of support on forums etc for trouble shooting.
prices run from about 1K - 250K+ (box of bits all the way up to a factory twin cam)
Competition, brings on all sorts of specials, such as ulsters, monoposts, twin cam replicas, trials specials etc etc,
There are lots of clubs around the A7, A7CA, VSCC, 750MC, Pre War A7 club etc
http://a7ca.org/memberclubs.php#associate
For VSCC eligibility as a vintage it would need to be a pre 1929 short chassis A7
Bruce McLaren, Colin Chapman, Sir Stirling Moss, have raced and modified A7's
I currently own 2 A7's a 1929 Ulster replica and a 1936 supercharged monopost, so am somewhat biased
First Pic is the Ulster, second is the monopost
Edited by biffonracing on Tuesday 16th September 12:05
Thanks again for all of the replies.
Yes, I googled WM47 as soon as I got home. Some interesting reading.
I think polished aluminium and what I assume is BRG, are my two favourite "colours".
RJ - I'll add the sidevalve Minor to my list. Looks to have a nice rear end! I wouldn't say no to a bigger car, but I doubt I'll find anything within budget? Yours looks very nice.
Biffon, thanks for the advice. The more I look in to it, the more it leads me down the Austin 7 route. I love your Ulster & Monopost (especially finished in polished Aluminium). The latter is supercharged you say?
My friend sent me this last night:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-two-seater-sports...
Listed as an Austin Seville? Haven't come across that model before. Can anyone enlighten me?
Yes, I googled WM47 as soon as I got home. Some interesting reading.
I think polished aluminium and what I assume is BRG, are my two favourite "colours".
RJ - I'll add the sidevalve Minor to my list. Looks to have a nice rear end! I wouldn't say no to a bigger car, but I doubt I'll find anything within budget? Yours looks very nice.
Biffon, thanks for the advice. The more I look in to it, the more it leads me down the Austin 7 route. I love your Ulster & Monopost (especially finished in polished Aluminium). The latter is supercharged you say?
My friend sent me this last night:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-two-seater-sports...
Listed as an Austin Seville? Haven't come across that model before. Can anyone enlighten me?
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