BARN FIND 1929 Austin Seven Cambridge Sports Special

This auction was ended by Ebay, and resisted here, when they noticed me that it had been placed in the wrong category. It was mistakenly listed in Collectibles, instead of Ebay Motors where it is now. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Up for sale is a 1929 Austin Seven Cambridge Sports Special recently unearthed from a barn where it has been up on blocks for decades. The A-7 was stored there when a hurricane posed the threat of possible high water flooding. Luckily, that did not happen, but the car remained there all the same until brought out just a few days ago. A light clean up only was done, and it is being sold in as-is condition. The Austin has a wonderful patina and could be made to start up and drive as it is, or fully restore.

Cambridge Engineering, founded and owned by Bill Williams in the 1930’s, offered race tuning options for Austin Seven owners desiring to turn their standard models into sports cars and increase their performance a well. These light weight aluminum over ash frame bodies were offered by Cambridge Engineering along with other accessories in kit form. The company remained in business into the 1960’s. Cambridge offered 2 different bodies; this 2-seater body for fitting to a Sports chassis.

The factory lower, front sports axle suggest that this chassis most likely started life in 1929, from the factory as an Ulster Sports.

Engine : The engine hand cranks over easily and is not seized. Similarly, the clutch operates and the brakes function. There is a loose universal joint in the drive shaft and will need replacing. There is a battery in the car but, of course, it has no charge left. All mechanicals are in place with nothing missing, but the A-7 is not running.

Body & Interior : The aluminum is in good overall condition, as is the ash wood structure. The flat wooden panels that make up the battery box area have deteriorated; they would serve as excellent patterns for cutting new ones. Held in place by brass screws, the replacement would be very quick and easy.

Although in enclosed storage, we do often have squirrels, mice and other rodents that have done damage to the deep red upholstery. The upholstery must be completely replaced, but fortunately, the design is relatively simple.

The Austin is fitted with 2 original, period Brooklands windscreens, however full-windscreen parts come with car that were intended to be modified to fit. Also, a soft top frame comes with the car as well and may be made to fit.

The car is sold with a clear, Florida title. Buyer must arrange shipping but we will attempt to accommodate and work with your chosen shipping agent.

Photographs : The photographs show the car as it was found in the barn, as well as, some after the cleanup. Also shown are a few very old photos, ( approximately 30 years ago) of the car when it was driven and shown extensively. It attended numerous car shows and spectators always gravitated to the little Austin’s beautiful design and charm.

Parts: In the photos, you can see the spare parts that come with the car. With the intention of giving the A7 a full windshield ( windscreen) and top years ago, we purchased a set of top bows to modify.

We also purchased 2 different complete MG windscreen frames and mounting stanchions. The frames cut in half in order to ship them from the U.K. to the U.S.

Also in the parts is a correct wiper motor, motometer, the 4th spinner for the wheel center, and the original Cambridge Works tonneau cover that covered the area behind the seats. It is not in usable condition but offers an excellent pattern for a new one.

The engine block photo shows a repair, but the engine has run for many years without incident, so it was apparently a good repair.

When we first acquired the car, we wrote to several Austin seven experts in England seeking information about the car. The gentlemen, including the renowned Barry Clarke, were generous with their information. The sports "dropped" front axle is "rare and valuable" and quite possibly from an "Ulster" model. The chassis number, 92857, dates from July 1929. Likewise, the engine number, M93146, dates from about July 1929. The registration number for the car, UV6166, is a London registration that is also from July 1929.

The four speed transmission dates from 1932/33 and the steering column and wheel are probably 1928. The engine is powered by a coil, not a magneto. The carburetor isa British made Zenith.

The buyer arranges and pays shipping cost.

Good luck bidding, and thank you.