Last week my cousin had the privilege of riding in an Austin 7 race-car and he sent me a couple of photos. Said he, “felt like Mr Toad in Toad Hall“, a reference to our childhood favourite book The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
For anyone familiar with Mr Toad and his fascination with fast motor cars you will see what my cousin is banging on about it. It’s a little beauty isn’t it? No doubt someone out there in blogosphere will recognise its year of manufacture.
FOOTNOTE 18 MAY 2017, courtesy of my cousin:
“Austin 7’s were made from 1922 to 1939, this one is a 1929 model but is not the original body shape. It is a replica super sports on a Austin 7 chassis and motor which was originally a “chummy” body.”
The Reluctant Retiree 
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Thank you very much, and yes I have.
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Rob thinks 1928 even tho’ others favour 1935!
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I tend to agree with Rob when you take a second look at the shape of the front end. On the other hand, the rear seems a little “spiffy” for that time. And the position of the headlights was lower in the 20s, according to photos I have seen. I’ll send an email to my cousin and ask if the owner knows!
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Looks like a circa 1935 Austin 7 Roadster to me Gwen,
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The word from my cousin “Austin 7’s were made from 1922 to 1939, this one is a 1929 model but is not the original body shape. It is a replica super sports on a Austin 7 chassis and motor which was originally a “chummy” body.”
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I thought the earlier model Austin 7 Roadsters had a split windscreen, thats why I went for a 35, which was an exceptionally good year.
Quite obviously this is a souped up version, probably did 40 mph,I noticed the exhaust had been moved to where the running board should have been.
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It’s definitely been re-worked. The split windscreen confused me too.
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No clue as to the year, but I’ll bet it was a hoot riding in it! Both cars are great!
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Just the one vehicle GP, front and back views, 65642H the rego number.
It looks like a 1935 circa Austen 7 Roadster
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Austin not Austen; thats what happens when your a Jane Austen devotee
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Everything I looked up said “pre-war”. Which war you could ask? hahaha – but yes, I think you are on the right track with 1935. And thanks for set GP right 🙂
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I think Lord Beari is on the money when he dates in mid-30s; and as he mentioned I think, one car – front and back. Cute! Hope I get to ride in it one day.
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Great car. Great book. My childhood favourite, too. You might like this post: https://derrickjknight.com/2013/02/20/harry-the-grape/
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I’m inspired now to do another post on a car theme. I loved the book. Must re-read it one day! Your post/s took me down a little burrow, just like Alice 🙂
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That’s good, Gwen. Many thanks
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Gwen – have noticed old convertible cars (BIG) being ridden around by Prague tourists – mostly couples as it looks like romantic thing to do. They are beautiful old cars and I never noticed them during my last visit in 2013.
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Nor did I. Maybe people in Cuba are starting to sell of their collections?
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