1933 | Austin 7 Special

1933 Austin Seven built by A.E. Wright
Chassis Number: 165353
Reistration Number: AHX521
In 1932 a coachbuilder called A.E.Wright at Bedford Garage, Beford Road, Alexandra Park, London started building bodies on new Standard Austin seven chassis. Modelled on similar specials like Swallow, Arrow and Gordon England it was Wright's attempt of a close coupled two seater sports which would potentially take a slice of the increasing affordable open sports market many car producers were trying to tap into.

The AEW was a pretty little car with cut away sides and light body giving it type 65 looks but at a greatly reduced price tag due to construction on standard high chassis. Performance was significantly better than a standard Seven and with its folding windscreen and louvred bonnet had real sporty appeal.

Unfortunately Wright's exploits were short lived due to the ever increasing competition and production costs, cars were made in low numbers approximately around 200, and very few survive today.
This example, one of 5 or so survivors known was restored as a lifetime project by the previous deceased owner. Pictures of the restoration are on flle detailing the incredible lengths that were gone to in order to put this car in to what is in effect brand new condition. The project spanned 6 years with many hundereds of man hours put in to it.
Every nut & bolt was removed from the car & replaced as necessary. The mechanical components were likewise disassembled into their component parts, with a full engine rebuild being done along with the gear box, brakes & rear axle. Detailed pictures are on file of the ash frame constructed new using the old rotted frame as a template.
The result is a stunning & rakish little car with excellent storage space behind the front seats acessed though a flip up hatch. The car has full weather gear for inclement motoring.
Exterior paint is red over black & in brand new order. To the interior is biscuit leather piped in red with red carpets under foot. The wheels are shod with new tyres all round & unusually have wheel disc covers; something we rarely see on Austin 7's. 1384 Miles have been covered since the restoration took place so the car is now nicely run in.
This car is very very well worth a look if you seek perfection as the attention to detail is breathtaking. A full tonneau cover comes with the car keeping the interior snug & dry when left out in inclement weather. The spare tyre is mounted to the rear of the car.
We have just had a full service done, a new battery fitted & a thorough check over performed by a local specialist to put the car in perfect running condition. This litte car is a joy to drive & puts smiles on the faces of the other motorists who come across it & has surprisingly sprightly performance.