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 |  | View more photos Monoposto Racer Chassis Num: 43048 Engine Num: M157631 |
Each Austin 7 Special is unique. None are 'series built' but are the
result of the vision of a single builder. All Austin 7 Specials are based on the humble Austin 7 passenger cars of the early 1930s which had a top speed of about 35 mph. The specials, partly because of their light weight - 640 pounds -- can achieve speeds of 80 mph, which can make control hair raising at best.
Although the donor Austin was a very basic device, this car shows some creative solutions to the problem of making an originally small car even smaller and lighter.
Among these are:
1. Offsetting the engine 12 degrees to allow the drive shaft to pass down the left side of the car inside a tunnel to the driver's left, thus the driver can be placed low in the car.
2. Splitting the rear axle to create unequally long half shafts to accommodate the drive shaft.
3. Making a tube steel sub-frame to support the body and add rigidity to the main frame.
The manufacturing date of this particular car is lost in the sands of time. It was raced extensively in England and still carries the scrutineering tags from such famous places as Brooklands, Silverstone, Oulton Park, Wiscome Park, Brighton and many more.
The Austin Seven was produced from 1923 through 1939 with only minor modifications to the design through its production lifespan. It was a simple machine intended to provide the home mechanic the opportunity to race competitively. During the 1920s, the Austin Seven was a popular favorite in Britain, as its lightweight characteristics made it high competitive. In 1934, the cars were given a lower chassis which allowed new bodies and styles to be adapted. The tires were reduced from 19-inch to 17-inch, and synchromesh was now available on the top two gears.
Parts for the Austin Seven were abundant and cheap. These formed the basis for numerous 'specials' and factory prepared machines. In 1924 came the Ulster, which had a Cozette-blown supercharger which gave the little machine a top speed of 75 mph.
The small monoposto racer became so popular, that the 750 Motor Club formed the Formula 750. Many famous drivers, such as Lotus founder Colin Chapman, got their start in Formula 750.
Parts for the Austin Seven were abundant and cheap. These formed the basis for numerous 'specials' and factory prepared machines. In 1924 came the Ulster, which had a Cozette-blown supercharger which gave the little machine a top speed of 75 mph.
The small monoposto racer became so popular, that the 750 Motor Club formed the Formula 750. Many famous drivers, such as Lotus founder Colin Chapman, got their start in Formula 750.
British based Austin Motor Company was formed in 1905 by Herbert Austin, later to be known as Sir Herbert, who had been a manager of the Wolseley Too and Motor Car Company. Their first vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder engine that displaced five-liters and was chain driven. Around 200 examples were produced during the five years of production.
Production soon expanded to a wider range of vehicles, including the 15, 18/24 and the 40HP four-cylinder models. A 60HP six cylinder vehicle was even available.
In 1908, four and six cylinder models were entered into the French Grand Prix. During practice two were crashed, with only one able to participate in the race. It did not do well. Two other Austin's managed to finish in 18th and 19th position.
Austin introduced a single-cylinder mini car in 1090 which produced around 7 horsepower.
During World War I a factory was created which would be used for automobile production when the war concluded. It was a large factory and was never completely utilized by the Austin Motor Car Company. Beginning in 1919, the company chose to produce one model and power it by a 3.6-liter engine that produced 20 horsepower; it was named the Austin 20. The company created a variety of bodystyles and even tractors but never reached high volume capacity. In the early 1920s they entered into receivership but was rescued only a short time later. The company diversified by offering a wider range of vehicles, including the 1661cc Twelve and the Austin 7. The Austin 7 drew its inspiration from the earlier single-cylinder car that Austin had created prior tot he war. Both new models were small and inexpensive which appealed to a wider group of buyers.
The Austin Twelve was very similar to the Austin 20, but with scaled down to reduce the cost. Production would continue until 1936. The Austin Seven was the car that helped rescue the company from the brink of receivership. It had a 696cc engine which would later expand to 747cc. Over 290,000 examples would be produced during its production run, lasting until 1939.
Production soon expanded to a wider range of vehicles, including the 15, 18/24 and the 40HP four-cylinder models. A 60HP six cylinder vehicle was even available.
In 1908, four and six cylinder models were entered into the French Grand Prix. During practice two were crashed, with only one able to participate in the race. It did not do well. Two other Austin's managed to finish in 18th and 19th position.
Austin introduced a single-cylinder mini car in 1090 which produced around 7 horsepower.
During World War I a factory was created which would be used for automobile production when the war concluded. It was a large factory and was never completely utilized by the Austin Motor Car Company. Beginning in 1919, the company chose to produce one model and power it by a 3.6-liter engine that produced 20 horsepower; it was named the Austin 20. The company created a variety of bodystyles and even tractors but never reached high volume capacity. In the early 1920s they entered into receivership but was rescued only a short time later. The company diversified by offering a wider range of vehicles, including the 1661cc Twelve and the Austin 7. The Austin 7 drew its inspiration from the earlier single-cylinder car that Austin had created prior tot he war. Both new models were small and inexpensive which appealed to a wider group of buyers.
The Austin Twelve was very similar to the Austin 20, but with scaled down to reduce the cost. Production would continue until 1936. The Austin Seven was the car that helped rescue the company from the brink of receivership. It had a 696cc engine which would later expand to 747cc. Over 290,000 examples would be produced during its production run, lasting until 1939.
1930 Austin Seven Special |
|
| Year | 1930 |
| Make | Austin |
| Model | Seven Special |
| Body Style | Monoposto Racer |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1923 - 1939 |
| Combined MPG | 45.00 |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | 43048 |
| Engine Number | M157631 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 750.00 cc | 45.8 cu in. | 0.8 L. |
| Horsepower | 21.00 HP (15.5 KW) @ 5500.00 RPM |
| HP / Liter | 26.3 BHP / Liter |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Synchromesh on 3rd and 4th | |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com