Descrizione
This A7 Special has a lot of history and was purchased by me from the late Dave Tedham in 2004. At that time it was in a sorry state but over the years it has been extensively modified and improved. I've used it for trips abroad, on many road runs, trials, shows, and in the driving tests at the National Austin Seven Rallies - winning on several occasions.
The chassis/ car was first registered on 1st January 1934. Years later it was found on the third floor of a Lancashire textile mill and was lowered to the ground on the end of a rope. By the 1980s it had been converted into a Special and then passed through several hands, including Franco Fiumefreddo - a successful rally driver and well-known VSCC photographer. He sadly died very young and before he'd had a chance to complete the renovation of the car.
By 1997 it was in the ownership of a Peter Bright who carried out a lot of work on the car, which is documented in its history folder.
When Dave Tedham had it up for sale it was it was in fairly rough condition, robbed of many bits and only just about driveable. But I loved it from the moment I saw it...
A lot of hard work saw its first post-restoration outing to the 2005 London to Brighton Austin Centenary Run.
Shortly afterwards, the engine that came with the car gave up the ghost and was replaced with the present unit - a standard, two bearing engine.
The main bodywork framing is of square/ round tubing with aluminium sheet covered in thin foam and finished in a blue vinyl.
Being 6'3" I found that driving the car any distance was a bit of a challenge, so in 2007 I modified the bodywork by extending the length of the cockpit area. This made things far more comfortable. Running boards were added and the spare wheel moved from the rear to the side-mount position.
In recent years we have used the car for Austin 7 production car trials and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It may not win many trophies but it provides a tremendous amount of fun!
Spec includes: Indicators, electric fan, Brooklands screens, 12v battery running off the 6v dynamo, with RB106 cutout. Fitted with 17" wheels with older tyres which I suggest changing if the car is to be used on the road. I have a variety of other size wheels/ tyres suitable for trialling, available by separate sale. 12v socket and cutout on dashboard. Tonneau cover. Luggage rack (constructed by well-known 750 Trophy car builder, John Britnell). Motometer. Hinged Ruby-type seats. Rear storage area with removeable partition. Battery wrapped in bag for trialling purposes. Fire extinguisher. Shell spare petrol can on mount. V5C present. Note that the speedo is not working, the sump gasket could do with changing, and when trialling there is a tendency to jump out of first gear at high revs (a simple fix is required, which I have never got around to doing!).
This is a Special that could be further improved - perhaps with a hotter engine. After a busy life it is far from perfect but it is ideal for someone who wants an honest, useable car and who enjoys its looks as much as driving it. I shall genuinely be very sorry to see it go.
A large album of photos of the car, past and present, is online: - details above details below@N05/ nwb5Tt4C8N
