1933 Austin Seven Ulster Roadster Recreation

Soon after the Austin Seven's introduction, much modified, supercharged versions were racing with some success, prompting the factory to develop a somewhat less radical, though still supercharged, competition car for general sale.  The first of these special Sevens was completed towards the end of 1927 and the following year one of them won the Australian 100-Mile Grand Prix.  Only a tiny handful of the resulting 'production' model - the Super Sports - were completed but the exercise would give rise to one of the most delightful small sports cars of the 1930s, the Seven Ulster.  168 of these were built between 1930 and 1932.  Like the Super Sports, the Ulster used a tuned and strengthened engine equipped with a gear-driven Cozette 'blower' (in which case it also came with magneto ignition and pumped cooling) but unlike its predecessor it could also be ordered in a cheaper, normally aspirated form. The chassis was 3" lower than standard and featured improved front suspension while the door-less coachwork, with its sleek lines and pointed tail, was even more handsome than that of the Super Sports.

Starting life in the UK like most Sevens, the early history of this car is unknown but in the winter of 1970 it was imported to Pennsylvania by Joseph J. Greenberg, Jr. with the recreation body it currently wears.  Retained for the three years, it passed through a dealer to David L. Redmond on December 15, 1973.  Mr. Redman eventually began a restoration with the intent to vintage race the little sportster—but the intent and execution never quite intersected and the car sat in Redmond's garage for the next quarter century.  Acquired by the vendor on September 20, 2012, the long stillborn restoration was finally completed.  A thorough body-off operation, the finished product achieved two first place finishes at local AACA events. Despite being brought stateside nearly 45 years ago with the intent to vintage race it, since arriving in the U.S. the car has not been tracked.  Now gracing our South mallway and a shining star among our vast inventory, this 1933 Austin Ulster recreation....a mini Bugatti if you will.

Exterior
The aluminum body has been hammered and fitted over the wooden substructure and is covered in a nice maroon hue.  The panels are straight and mostly dent free.  Some faults can be seen that have crept in over time but overall the car has a wonderful patina, and puts on a very nice show.  Its miniature wheelbase and large black spoked wheels add to the charm of this miniature motorcar that very closely resembles a Bugatti Type 37.  More english wheel work for the flowing front fenders and are leading the way and flanking a black grille and corral.  Headlights ride high upon multiple mounting points to keep them extra rigid and flowing down the passenger's, (blimey, the left side...we're in England Gubner), is the black single exhaust pipe that meets up to the partially exposed header.  The center hinged hood, also aluminum, leads back to the twin oval windscreen and the body flows to a boattail point in the rear.  Let's load her up and make a lap or 2 at breakneck pace!

Interior
Our right-hand drive version has black leather seats which show wrinkling and aging on the upper cushions however still present nicely.  Let's call it character, as new seats just would not suit this 1933 model car.  A simple dash cluster of gauges is spread within the machine turned silver oval dash.  A red metal “dash pad” is above, over the wood, and a large steering wheel in black bakelite with 3 silver spokes fronts the dash.  A long shift lever protrudes from the top of the transmission and is well within reach of the driver's left hand.  Black textured vinyl panels line either side of the cockpit and black rubber matting covers the floor that is split by a silver partial transmission/driveshaft cover.

Drivetrain
The 746cc 4 popper is under the long bonnet and is attached to a 4-speed manual transmission.  A Coldwell aluminum cylinder head tops off this mill along with other various period correct speed modifications.  A header is in charge of the exhale from this tiny mill and leads back to a body following black exhaust pipe...watch your left arm there mate, you don't want a burn.

Undercarriage
While unable to span our lift we were able to get the money shot of the undercarriage.  Yards of clean black steel make up the framing and suspension as well as supporting the clean wood and steel flooring.  Mechanical drum brakes are on both fore and aft and we see a single exhaust system in charge of the exhale.  Quarter elliptical leaf springs provide the ride on the rear and up front is a transverse leaf spring with friction dampers.  All the springs are wrapped in off white gaiters as well.  

Drive-Ability
A tight squeeze even for my "athletic" frame, but I managed as I've never had the pleasure of piloting such a vehicle.  A quick starter and smooth idler once warmed up.  On our test track it performed well with adequate, (for its abilities), acceleration, and apt handling.  Braking, as with any mechanical drum equipped car, must be planned in advance but our example stopped straight and true.

Fitted with many speed parts and modifications, it is no doubt a quick little machine. Looking all the while like a miniature Bugatti, this little Ulster will no doubt provide ample fun while taking up little space in the garage!  Thx To Bonhams For The History & Insight

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.