Austin 7 special build?
Discussion
My dad has a 1932 (?) A7 box saloon that he has owned for circa 20 years. He has told me he is going to sell it as he doesnt use it much because it is not easy to use alongside modern traffic and as he is turning 70, he feels it is a bit of a struggle to maintain etc given the limited use.
I would like it to stay in the family rather than him sell. But I have only ever driven it twice and whilst I like the car am not really interested in it.
An ex colleague had a couple of specials with well developed engines however that he used to hill climb etc. This appeals to me a lot more.
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
I would like it to stay in the family rather than him sell. But I have only ever driven it twice and whilst I like the car am not really interested in it.
An ex colleague had a couple of specials with well developed engines however that he used to hill climb etc. This appeals to me a lot more.
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
covmutley said:
My dad has a 1932 (?) A7 box saloon that he has owned for circa 20 years. He has told me he is going to sell it as he doesnt use it much because it is not easy to use alongside modern traffic and as he is turning 70, he feels it is a bit of a struggle to maintain etc given the limited use.
I would like it to stay in the family rather than him sell. But I have only ever driven it twice and whilst I like the car am not really interested in it.
An ex colleague had a couple of specials with well developed engines however that he used to hill climb etc. This appeals to me a lot more.
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
You've no interest in the car yet want to destroy it to make a racing special. I think that's more than a 'huge shame'.I would like it to stay in the family rather than him sell. But I have only ever driven it twice and whilst I like the car am not really interested in it.
An ex colleague had a couple of specials with well developed engines however that he used to hill climb etc. This appeals to me a lot more.
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
Truckosaurus said:
There is often an Austin 7 class at the Gurston hillclimb, they are split into 'road' and 'race' so you could probably use the car as is for some competition use.
Not to mention the huge fun of doing trials in a Seven 
I have to say, I don't get the "I have no interest in the car, but want to keep it, but destroy it" concept.
If you have no interest in it, let it go to someone that does.
I was helping with recovery at Clee hill car trial a couple of years ago, and a saloon very much like the picture above was being trialled. Bouncing around, engine screaming, lots of fun being had, and when it got stuck (only because it is too narrow to fit the ruts and 2 wheels were in the mud) recovery was easy because it was so light.
Another option maybe.
Edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4rJ3OyZKB8 Different car, but similar vintage.
Edited by Essel on Monday 14th May 10:15
How could anyone not enjoy this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koMqwYyjpV4
The 750MC is THE place for anything Austin 7 competiton related.
http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin7.htm
John
http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin7.htm
John
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How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.I think with any special or racer, it is as well to read the regs of the series you would enter. I’d assume there are three classes of A7 specials, VSCC eligible or 750MC/ PWA7C - Bert Hadley. (These may be further divided into racing or trials). The VSCC, in theory, will ban any modern body removal special. They also specify wheel sizes and materials - no fibreglass, electronics, they suggest you speak with the eligibility scrutes first. The Bert Hadley is more open, and run the class at Gurston. However, I'd suggest that, if you wish to be competitive, all that you be left of "your" Dad's car would be the chassis (suitably boxed(!)) and number plates. So, it may be better to sell the box saloon and buy a pigsty racer, or a bare chassis kit.
That said, we have standard chummy.
covmutley said:
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
That said, we have standard chummy.
covmutley said:
I would like it to stay in the family rather than him sell. But I have only ever driven it twice and whilst I like the car am not really interested in it.
So why do you want it to stay "in the family"?covmutley said:
How easy would it be to make a racer special? Could it remain road legal? Is it problematic with dvla/registration? I am struggling to find any info online.
The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
It'd make far more sense to sell the decent saloon, and buy a ready-built special.The car is mechanically good and the engine is ok. Chassis and interior very good. The body is also good- it was restored in the 60's and hasnt been painted since. I am guessing that some (most?!) people would think it a huge shame to break such a car, but I just wouldnt want to keep it in its current form.
I completely understand why some think it would be wrong to convert it. I suppose this is why I am asking partly.
I think I am now clear that if I was looking to keep it, it would be in its current form. Just to add, don't forget he got it 20 years ago when I was 17. Not many that age would be interested in an a7. The older I get, the more it is appealing to me.
I think I am now clear that if I was looking to keep it, it would be in its current form. Just to add, don't forget he got it 20 years ago when I was 17. Not many that age would be interested in an a7. The older I get, the more it is appealing to me.
Just to echo the points above, please don't take a part a perfectly good saloon to make a special. Mainly because it's a shame to destroy nearly 90 year old car but also because you will get a lot of stick from the Austin 7 community for doing it.
You can pick up a bare or rolling chassis for a reasonable amount and start from there for a special, (or just buy one that someone doesn't want anymore).
There are quite a few ways of competing with your car as is, we do trials in our A7 saloon, they are surprisingly good at it.
You can pick up a bare or rolling chassis for a reasonable amount and start from there for a special, (or just buy one that someone doesn't want anymore).
There are quite a few ways of competing with your car as is, we do trials in our A7 saloon, they are surprisingly good at it.
As part of our Mid Cheshire Motor Club we run a sprint at Curborough that has the "PreWar Austin 7" club as an invited club.
They have a Bert Hadley Sprint and Hillclimb Championship.
https://www.pwa7c.co.uk/hadleythisyear.php
Amazing to watch these older class of cars being driven absolutely flat out.
Our website circles around photos from our local club at Scammonden, and an event we run at Curborough with Austin Sevens that are part of the entry.
http://mcmrc.co.uk/
They have a Bert Hadley Sprint and Hillclimb Championship.
https://www.pwa7c.co.uk/hadleythisyear.php
Amazing to watch these older class of cars being driven absolutely flat out.
Our website circles around photos from our local club at Scammonden, and an event we run at Curborough with Austin Sevens that are part of the entry.
http://mcmrc.co.uk/
covmutley said:
I completely understand why some think it would be wrong to convert it. I suppose this is why I am asking partly.
I think I am now clear that if I was looking to keep it, it would be in its current form. Just to add, don't forget he got it 20 years ago when I was 17. Not many that age would be interested in an a7. The older I get, the more it is appealing to me.
As suggested, bee making a decision either way, take yourself along to a few 750MC events and talk to a few people, maybe even join/enter a trial and see if it puts a silly grin on your face - trialling really is a hugely fun and hugely socialable way to enjoy something like a stock A7.I think I am now clear that if I was looking to keep it, it would be in its current form. Just to add, don't forget he got it 20 years ago when I was 17. Not many that age would be interested in an a7. The older I get, the more it is appealing to me.
No one seems to have mentioned the problems around any possible transformation into a special. The IVA comes to mind, and all the can of worms that come with it. Annual MOT's if it passes, annual road tax (?) and so on. No, if you want a special buy one, if not either keep it or sell it.
lowdrag said:
No one seems to have mentioned the problems around any possible transformation into a special. The IVA comes to mind, and all the can of worms that come with it. Annual MOT's if it passes, annual road tax (?) and so on. No, if you want a special buy one, if not either keep it or sell it.
A 7 special would still be the same chassis, suspension and powertrain as it has now, though, it shouldn't be an issue. Spoke to my dad and I'm not sure I will be getting the car. I can't afford to buy it at its full value and to be honest whilst its not all about the money, he wasn't that keen for me to have it, for the reasons he is looking to move it on.
But don't worry, if I do end up with it, it will absolutely stay a saloon! It might get bashed about on trials however- they look good fun!
But don't worry, if I do end up with it, it will absolutely stay a saloon! It might get bashed about on trials however- they look good fun!
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