Highlights

One of only six short wheelbase Arrow Foursomes known to exist
Extensive specialist restoration work already completed
Has been in the same family since 1968
Registered with the Arrow Register and A7CA Register
Rare opportunity to complete a Seven Arrow

The Appeal

This little Seven project is a fascinating project from many different angles. As one of just six remaining SWB Arrow Foursomes, it is a chance to complete a car you’re unlikely to meet at shows. Or find for sale again.

Alternatively, its unusual history may appeal. It was originally acquired in 1968 by the vendor’s father, apparently as a third birthday present for his son! Restoration work has begun and stalled a few times since, most recently involving extensive renovation of the bespoke aluminium bodywork by specialist MPH Specialist Motor Panels.

Arrow, based in Hanwell, London, was one of many coachbuilders who offered bespoke bodywork on the nimble Seven running gear. The literally named Foursome was a sports tourer for, you may be ahead of us here, four people. Only six are believed to remain, five of them in the UK and one in New Zealand.

The car is said to be virtually complete - we’re told it will only need dynamo, distributor and headlights - and MPH has offered to complete the bodywork if the buyer requires.

This car is known to the Arrow Register and A7CA Register. There is no V5 but we are told that the DVLA is holding the original registration pending completion. With Austin’s tiny Seven perennially in demand, here is a chance to buy and complete one of its rarest variants.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1931
Purchased by vendor’s father in 1968
Vendor’s father was Derek Preece, a founder member of the Cornwall Vintage Vehicle Society
Initial restoration began in the 1970s but was not completed
Recent restoration began in 2002 and focussed on replacing the aluminium body skin
JY 63 is on the Arrow Register and the A7CA surviving chassis Register
No V5c available, but DVLA is holding the registration for reapplication
Reported to be one of six remaining Arrow Foursomes
We are told the car is complete except for the dynamo, distributor and headlights
Car fired up and ran well after oil change, fresh petrol, and new battery in 2002

The vendor writes:

“This car was bought by my father, the late Derek Preece, who was a founder member of the Cornwall Vintage Vehicle Society, in 1968 from someone in St Austell, supposedly for my 3rd birthday. The black and white photo attached was taken in 1976, when the initial restoration was nearly complete.... unfortunately it never progressed. In 2002 I pulled her out of my parents barn, changed the oil, gave her some fresh petrol, and and a new battery, and she fired up and ran beautifully. Later that year I started a fresh restoration, which has also been hampered by problems in everyday life.

“The initial restoration was a full strip down with the chassis, axles and suspension parts all being stripped, parts replaced as necessary and repainted. This restoration didn't get finished as, as the car went back together it became apparent that corrosion on the aluminium bodyshell had not been successfully eliminated. My father sent it off somewhere to be rectified, but he was never happy with the outcome so, having too many projects on the go, this one was sided to be dealt with at a later date.

“In the more recent restoration, I have concentrated on the aluminium bodywork, or rather I commissioned a very competent panel man, Geoff Moss of MPH Specialist Motor Panels, to replace the aluminium body skin. This has been done in stages, and is close to completion, but I have come to the realisation that I will not be able to get it finished in the near future, so I have decided to part with the car for someone else to finish and enjoy.

“To my knowledge, all the major parts of the car are include, with the exception of the dynamo, distributor, and the headlights.

“The original steel mudguards are in good condition and could easily be reused.... I was going to get them remade in aluminium.

“Geoff Moss (MPH Specialist Motor Panels) has said that he would be happy to quote for finishing the aluminium work, if this is of interest to the buyer. If this were to happen, I could get the car back to him.

“There are just 6 short wheelbase Arrow Foursomes known to exist including this one. 5 in this country, and 1 in New Zealand

“JY 63 is on the Arrow Register, and the A7CA surviving chassis Register, but unfortunately we don't have a V5c.... DVLA are aware of the car and are holding the registration so that an application to re-register her with her original number can be made when the restoration is complete.”

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The Condition

Aluminium body skin replaced by Geoff Moss of MPH Specialist Motor Panels
Original steel mudguards in good condition and reusable
Much work already done but requires finishing as shown in photos
Chassis in solid, complete and restored condition as shown
Missing dynamo, distributor, and headlights
Some interior features included but will require retrim

The Mechanics

747cc 4cyl engine
3spd manual gearbox
Restoration so far has included full strip down of chassis, axles, and suspension parts
Parts replaced as necessary during initial restoration
Some restoration will be required as shown in photos and described above
The vendor states - "in the last few months, the engine has been turned over a few times, and it turns freely with some compression""

BEFORE YOU BUY

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