The humble Austin 7’s influence on the automotive industry remains substantial. Without it, Colin Chapman’s first project would have looked very different and Bruce McLaren’s racing successes may never have come. The founders of BMW and Nissan wouldn’t have received the base from which their first cars were either born or inspired, either. The 7’s simple yet smart engineering, and the lightness that it enabled, meant the car had a profound impact on the world’s motor industry. It gave Britain a compelling answer to the Model T.
The base of the 7 was first designed in 1923 and it was considerably smaller than Ford’s world-beater, yet it could wear several bodies, including that of an open-top tourer, saloon and van. Racers soon saw the benefits of such an adaptable chassis, and many utilised the base to build hillclimb and road racing machines. It was nippy for the day, too, with 17hp produced from the 747cc engine that succeeded the original 696cc one, although naturally, racers soon extracted more power from the four-cylinder to appease their demands.
Superchargers were, of course, all the rage on track back then and with one bolted to the inline four, and a few other choice modifications, power could quickly be sent over 50hp. Some took to hillclimbs with paired-back 7 coupes, while others went a whole lot further and substantially rebuilt their machines. Today’s Spotted, called the Supercharged Special by its New Zealand builder, attempts to emulate these cars with a more modern twist. It was first upgraded in 1988 but rebuilt further (for £130k!) in 1992 to its present, menacing single-seater form. Just look at it.
The chassis, originally placed under a 7 Ruby in 1938, has bespoke tubular cross members, a front axle with a split in the centre to allow for independent suspension and a track that’s increased by 100mm at both ends. The differential is shifted from the axle centre, earning this 7 its ‘Offset Racer’ nickname, while the motor receives a Rootes-type ‘charger and head work so it’s got 55hp – and a dashboard boost gauge. The exhaust pokes out through the aluminium bodywork and curves its way over the rear wheel, and we love the sticker bearing “super unleaded and octane booster” inside.
The seller reckons it’s as much a work of art as it is a brilliant piece of engineering, and we’re inclined to agree. Rest assured it’s ready to rock and roll, with a set a sticky new boots and fresh lick of paint on those all-round drum brakes. £60k can buy you a proper sports car with a roof, passenger seat and easily five times the power. But that’s irrelevant; this is a totally custom, practically thoroughbred masterpiece and we absolutely love it. All its driver needs is a pair of goggles and a flying jacket to achieve full hero status. Who’s up for it?
SPECIFICATIONS | AUSTIN 7 SUPERCHARGED SPECIAL
Engine: 747cc, inline-4 supercharged
Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 55
Torque (lb ft): N/A
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1938
Recorded mileage: N/A
Price new: N/A (upgrade cost £130,000)
Yours for: £59,950
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