Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[winchman]

Any top tips when looking for an Austin 7 project? Nice shiny ones are out of reach so what should I look for in a project?
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It will come in handy even if you never use it.

[Rick]

All the usual stuff really, although the 7 is better supported spares-wise than many of its pre-war rivals. Are you planning on buying a saloon, a tourer, or a special?

RJ
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[mikeC]

That's a bit like asking how long is a piece of string!

It all depends on what you want to achieve in the end, on your own practical skills, and your ultimate budget.

I think the first requirement is to ensure that there is a valid V5C which matches the car/bits, or at the very least a clearly visible chassis number which will enable the car to be registered with the DVLA. Beyond that, do you want the car to be original, or are you planning to build a special? Basically anything missing from the project can be be sourced given time, patience and money.

Structurally the chassis is unlikely to present any serious problems unless it has been in a hedgerow for the last fifty years; bodywork is another matter, but repair panels are available for the common models. If you are going to revive an original car then try to ensure most fixtures and fittings are present, it's often the little things that are hardest to find.

Mechanically everything is available and there are specialists who can deal with all aspects, but the car is very simple and anyone with basic mechanical aptitude can do everything needed - there are people all over the country who will be more than willing to offer help and encouragement. It's well worth joining one of the many Austin Seven clubs before purchase, make contact with the local members, and someone is bound to want to help you in the search and advise on value and suitability.
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in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[winchman]

Thanks Ideally a special so my son can have a go at a competition or two
_________________
It will come in handy even if you never use it.

[mikeC]

In that case I would suggest the first priority is a valid V5C that matches the chassis number! This will save potentially disastrous negotiations with the DVLA!

If you are thinking of even mild competition use then the engine will need a full rebuild, preferably using a new crankshaft. A 2-bearing engine would be best, but a 2-bearing crank can be made to fit a 3-bearing crankcase. Depending on what type of competition, there is a choice of several different gear-ratio sets to suit the circumstances; back axles are usually pretty strong, but budget for a pair of new half-shafts.

Bodywork can be home-made if you have suitable skills, or complete new special bodywork can be bought ranging from around £3,000 to £12,000.
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in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[winchman]

Thanks Mike
Money is tight so it will be a budget build so body work will have to be used or home made.
Hoping to view a complete car tomorrow
We want it for fun not to be show or race winners
_________________
It will come in handy even if you never use it.

[Ray White]

Hi Winchman. Are you eventually aiming at VSCC competition?

Here are the eligibility guidelines which you might find interesting reading...if nothing else!

https://www.vscc.co.uk/page/a7-guidelines

Ray.

[winchman]

Thanks Ray
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It will come in handy even if you never use it.

[alastairq]

For cheap-to-enter and compete motoring competition, you might do worse than join the Motorcycling Club ? {MCC}

There are still several Austin Sevens regularly competing, and often the MCC is an 'invited' club for VSCC events.
VSCC events tend to be more costly to enter, too.

https://www.themotorcyclingclub.org.uk/

Austin Sevens are no longer the 'cheapest' of routes to follow if intending to do some mild motor sporting events, with an 'old' car.

Trials [Classic reliability trials] are still the cheapest way of using whatever one has got, regardless of whether it has 2, 3 or 4 wheels. Plus, trialling is as old as racing anyway.

The problem with Austin Sevens is one of improving reliability. This costs some serious money today, compared to even 10 years ago.
RAcing is even more costly.

Still the cheapest in terms of fixing up, and spares, are the small Fords or pre and jst-post war era.

There is a growing enthusiasm for old 40's and 50's Ford specials trials irons....[the best trials specials of the era were made from Austin Seven chassis, and Ford mechanicals.]

Austin Seven parts prices are starting to gain a gucci value in my view...
You're not talking £350 for a full engine rebuild for an Austin Seven any more....
A Phoenix crank, for starters, appears to be seen these days as a minimum necessity if intending to compete in any form of motor sporting event.
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[winchman]

Thanks
Now has any one got a stash or parts?
_________________
It will come in handy even if you never use it.