Lot details
Registration No: OSJ 390
Chassis No: A/001
Mot Expiry: June 2012

Some eighty-nine years on from its introduction, the Austin Seven's popularity shows little sign of waning. Cheap to buy, easy to tune and hard to break (relatively speaking), the Seven utilised a lightweight A-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension (semi-elliptic front / quarter-elliptic rear), four-wheel drum brakes and a spiral bevel back axle. Powered by a 747cc four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed (later four-speed) manual transmission, it was capable of some 50mph in standard tune but nearly two-and-a-half times that figure in Works supercharged single-seater guise! Indeed, it was enthusiasm for Herbert Austin's 'baby' that led to the foundation of the 750 Motor Club in 1939; an organisation which for many years seemed entirely focused on making decrepit Sevens into improbably fast racers or road cars. Introduced in January 1958, the Hamblin Cadet was among the better known kits for transforming an Austin Seven into a two-seater sports car. Designed by crash repairer turned special builder Syd Hamblin, it was sold by the likes of Super Accessories, Boult Bros, Halifax Panel Beating Co and Speedex. Priced at just £34 10s 0d (in self-finish guise) but looking not unlike a formula racer thanks to its oval grille, cigar profile and bulbous tail, the fibreglass Cadet reputedly accounted for some 600-700 sales.

Registered as `OSJ 390' on October 6th 1960, this particular example was presumably converted / completed that same year. Reputedly based on a 1930s Austin Seven chassis, the Cadet had passed to London chartered surveyor Malcolm Marsdin by 1978. Entrusted to Bill Martin of Major Marques Ltd some twelve years later, the two-seater underwent an extensive `chassis up' restoration during which it was visited by none other than Syd Hamblin. Seemingly last taxed for road use on May 31st 1999 `OSJ 390' was dry stored thereafter. Purchased by the vendor from Mr Marsdin via a BCA auction held during November 2007, the Special has recently been recommissioned at a cost of some £5,000. As well as an engine overhaul (cylinder head skimmed, new valves, fresh gaskets etc), the car has benefited from a brake system refurbishment and the following new components: 6-volt battery, 6-volt Kenlowe fan (complete with adjustable thermostat) and 5.50 x 15 rear tyres / tubes etc. Bursting with character, this appealing Austin Seven Special is offered for sale with history file (restoration invoices / photos etc) and fresh MOT certificate.