The idea of building, and using an Austin Seven Special for sporting events, had long been a passion for me, so in 1997 I began collecting parts. I had a book on Building Austin Seven Specials.
Competing in the Chelsea Hillclimb 09
While waiting till I had enough bits to start the build, I read and reread the book over and over. My collection started with the main chassis, which I had plates welded to the bottom of each of the chassis rails, thus stiffening it. I also had an extra cross member fitted to help support the body. The front axle was from the big seven which lowered the front end. All three springs were de-cambered. I used the friction shock absorbers from the big seven to stiffen the ride up a bit.
The brakes were from the big seven also, with a modified adjustment system for the rear wheels, for quick adjustments of the rear brakes. The brakes are operated via cable, working all four wheels. The hand brake was shortened and the gear lever extended, rather than fit a gear lever remote.
The engine is a two bearing type, with a 37 hi-compression head. The engine has had the block relieved, ports polished, tappets reshaped, double valve springs, race cam, lightened fly wheel, enlarged oil pump, and modified distributor. At present, I am running a single SU carburettor, on a free flow manifold. I started with twins but the single is proving to be the best, all this is connected to a hi-ratio, 4 speed gearbox.
The body is nice and light. I was given a book on building a ply wood dingy which came in handy. The body is the typical boat tail style of the early thirties. To help the body styling it was divided into three sections of equal length. The bonnet was typical MG where it gave you access to the foot pedals and gearbox for servicing. The cockpit is of the close-up type, with the edge of the back wheel being the start of the boat tail back. Behind the seat is a small amount of storage for tools etc. Read the rest of this entry »
The latest issue of Historic racing Drivers Magazine is on the press and looking hot. We held back the magazine so we could include a story on Philip Island and the Classic Festival of Motor Sport where Jack Quinn takes the wheel in the Alfa P3. We also have a great story on the NZ Festival of Motor Racing Celebrating Bruce McLaren. The event was a huge success at Hampton Downs although Pukekohe was disappointing with the pits being inadequate and letting in rain and the fact that the pit crews had to leave their vehicles on the outside of the track with all their gear on the inside. I question whether the Pukekohe event is necessary.
