Highlights

Total restoration completed in 2016
Stored in a Carcoon since late 2017
Won 'Best in Show' in 2016 at Allington
Registered on the Hamblin Cadet register, one of only 26 cars
Participated in the Austin 7 centenary celebration at the 2022 British Grand Prix
Signed by Pierre Gasly

The Appeal

First put up for sale in 1958, the Hamblin Cadet was offered in magazine advertisements across the country by the Hamblin Company of Sherborne. A lightweight, speedy little kit for the Austin 7, it was launched at a perfect time - the Austin 7 had ceased production in 1939, and were now cheaper than chips. What could be more enticing to a tinkerer than taking the little economy car into the world of sporty kit cars?

Nowadays, only 26 are registered on the Hamblin Cadet register, and the popularity of a quirky little sports car has never been higher. This incredibly evocative classic is bound to turn plenty of heads. 'Bike-spoke' wheels, an array of stopwatches and a suitably evocative name ("Reet Petite"!) make for a particularly charming motor.

This example - built from an Austin 7 in 1959 - comes to in excellent overall condition, with a history of many awards and rosettes. It even took part in the Austin 7 Centenary, conveying Pierre Gasly (who also signed the car) around Silverstone at the 2022 British Grand Prix.

Reet Petite she may be - and that's exactly why we expect this little special will attract plenty of attention.

The History and Paperwork

Originally built in 1936
Rebodied into a Hamblin Cadet in 1959
The DVLA records 3 previous keepers
Total restoration completed in 2016 (The restoration book comes with the car)
Won 'Best in Show' in 2016 at Allington
In current ownership since 2017
Stored in a Carcoon while in current ownership
Exhibited at Haynes in their 'Rare Breeds 100'
Participated in the Austin 7 centenary celebration, conveying Pierre Gasly around Silverstone in the drivers' parade during the 2022 British Grand Prix
Pierre Gasly has also signed the vehicle
Registered on the Hamblin Cadet register - one of only 26 cars
Indicates 81,299 miles on a five-figure odometer
Selling to downsize car collection

The Condition

Beautifully presented, with a fibreglass body on a 1936 steel frame
Everything looks in good order, with only minor spots of corrosion and wear
Some cracking around one of the windscreen frames
Belts, brightwork and seals are well-presented
Pierre Gasly's signature sits proudly on the bodywork
Lightweight spoked wheels carry some patches of wear
Underside appears solid
Cabin is very nicely presented
All electrics appear in smart condition
Very evocative, with a charming array of stopwatches mounted on the dash
Some fogging to the instruments, commensurate with age
The fuel gauge does not work as there is no sender in the tank, and hasn't been since conversion
Unique and attracts attention wherever it goes

The Mechanics

747cc straight-4 engine
Manual transmission
Engine bay looks in very good order
The engine needs proper tuning as it's a bit 'lumpy' at idle
Run on Millers oils, which have been replaced every year
Converted to 12v, with an electronic distributor and electric water pump and fans
We understand that the car is driving very well with no mechanical issues to note

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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Comments

Punchy••••

6 hours ago

Good Morning, Has the aluminium nose cone been moulded around the original fibreglass nose, or has this been cut away to accommodate the aluminium? If the latter applies, is the reasoning for this covered in the re-build book? Regards

1 hour ago

Thank you, am looking forward to photos and update on Sunday.