Lot Ended
Description
1960 Austin Seven Mini Deluxe
Thought to have
originally completed the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963; comprehensively rebuilt in
1996 and entered in the 1997 Monte Carlo Challenge; engine rebuild by Avonbar
Racing; uprated clutch; fitted with full harness belts and roll cage;
ready for new adventure
This Se7en is one well travelled machine,
having possibly completed the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963, definitely taking part
in the same challenge in 1997, been part of a private collection in the USA and
originally supplied to a garage in Scotland.
The Heritage Certificate on file confirms the date built as 1st November
1960, being supplied to Lamb’s Garage Ltd in Dundee. The earliest known owner at
just over 500 miles was Mrs. Hewett of Lambourne, Berkshire and regular service
records show much care was taken up and untill at least 1970. There is mention
in the paperwork that she also completed the Monte Carlo Rally with WRX 452 in
1963 as a private entrant. Unfortunately, at the time of writing we are not able
to confirm this, but it would certainly add an extra dynamic to the already
interesting provenance to this car.
A total of 28 services were completed during the 1960s, all in Lambourn
on behalf of Mrs.Hewitt. (The speedo appearing to be reset at 12,300 miles in
1964). We understand that the car was sold in 1970 back to the garage that had
been maintaining it for so many years. Sadly, it was not used a lot and it was
squirrelled away until 1996 when it was bought by the next owner, Mr .West, who
managed to re instate the original WRX number and start the restoration process
for the 1997 Monte Carlo Challenge.
For reasons unknown, registered keepers changed a couple of times in
1997, but work commenced to prepare the little Austin for Mr.West to get to
Monaco, as can be seen in the photographic archive within the file. Avonbar
Racing were commissioned to completely rebuild the engine and prepare it for
some rally action, all the while sticking to 1960 specs as much as possible. The
engine was fitted with a modified Stage III cylinder head, a Piper 255 camshaft,
new old stock pistons, 1 1/4in SUs, proper air cleaner, RC30 exhaust system and
made ready to go. The clutch was uprated, halogen lamps were fitted, working
from the original dynamo, all suspension replaced or rebuilt. The interior was
attended to too, having gauges replaced, seats filled with Dunlopillo foam and
most importantly a Mk.2 heater box. Further rally additions included the full
harness belts, roll cage, sump guard, rally tyres and roof rack. Most of this is
still evident today of course, the roof rack no longer on the car but is
included in the sale.
After completing the Monte Carlo Challenge the car was kept in London for
a short time, before being sold on circa, 1999/2001 to an American collector in
Indiana. Officially exported to the USA in 2002, one can only imagine it was
part of a static collection and in 2014/15, the little Austin was treated to an
American birthday, having the clutch, carburettor, hoses, oil and filters all
renewed. Sadly, some mice had got at some of the wiring so this was all attended
to too, a cut off switch fitted to the battery, various switches and interior
panels refitted and screwed down. The engine also needed some attention and
after discovering various leaks and gaps, the head was repaired by Haas Machine
Co, valves were replaced and new gaskets fitted. Work continued on the brakes,
wheel bearings, radiator hoses and general lubrication and tidying up. A new
front grill was fitted and shortly after that the car was sold on to our vendor,
who, apart from transporting it back to the UK and acquiring the up to date WRX
452 V5C for it, she is now up for sale again. A few little jobs are likely to
still need doing but once done, she would really like a long drive back to
Monaco. Now showing 54,000 miles, we think she probably knows the way
now!
* All charges are subject to VAT