Austin 7 Willis Special

Coming up for auction sale at H and H Classics on September 23rd Kelham Hall sale.

Chassis No: 156480, built in period by Bill Williams of Cambridge Engineering to compete against works single seaters.

Reputedly competed in period at Brooklands andt Shelsley Walsh by Kay Petre.

1936 chassis fitted with a ‘works style’ supercharged 1928 Magneto Engine, mated to a four-speed gearbox.

In regular competition use with recent owners including the vendor. Subject to an extensive engine overhaul by Pigsty engineering in the current ownership.

Supplied with an extensive history file including VSCC buff form. 

A little Austin 7 history. Spurred on by the introduction of the Horsepower Tax in 1921, Sir Herbert Austin began working on the concept of a small family car despite opposition from the company’s board due to their being in receivership at the time. 

Undaunted, Sir Herbert engaged the services of a young draftsman from the Longbridge Plant, eighteen-year old Stanley Edge, and plans were drawn up in the billiard room of his house, Lickey Grange. Having invested a large amount of his personal money into the project and being responsible for much of the car’s styling, Sir Herbert was able to claim a royalty of two Guineas on each car built. 

Initially powered by a side valve four-cylinder engine of 696cc (subsequently enlarged to 747cc / 10. 5hp) and featuring a detachable cylinder head, the new model was rated at 7. 2 horsepower. Some 2, 500 examples were produced in 1923 and just a few years later the little Austin had transformed the fortunes of the parent company. By the time production ceased with the advent of war in 1939 some 290, 000 cars and vans had been produced.

All photographs and text via H and H Classics.