1930 Austin Seven Ulster Boattail

The sporting variation of the Austin Seven was known as the Ulster and was introduced in 1929. It was a factory-produced successor to Austin's modified competition cars of the mid-1920s. The name was sourced from the location of the famed Irish Tourist Trophy race.

In comparison to its saloon counterpart, the Ulster had a re-tuned engine and a chassis that sat three inches lower. They had an aerodynamic boattail body and no doors. The Ulster automobiles were popular private race cars that offered a surprising level of performance. They were exclusive automobiles that were built in limited numbers until 1931.

This Austin Seven Ulster is powered by a 748cc four-cylinder engine breathing through twin SU carburetors. It has 24 horsepower and a three-speed manual gearbox. There are drum brakes at all four corners. Wearing a recent restoration, the car is finished in Regency Red paint with black leather upholstery and instrument cluster of Smith gauges, including a large clock. There is a Royce MotoMeter radiator cap, 17-inch Armstrong wire-spoke wheels, a leather bonnet and straps, and Brooklands windscreens which fold down individual for passenger or driver.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Scottsdale, Az. auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012