Lot Ended
Description
Family owned for nearly 70 years; nicely restored; from a deceased
estate; a very pretty Chummy indeed
You know it's a special car when
you open the file and read a letter to the vendor's late-father from a neighbour
dated March 1959 which starts: 'Firstly I would like to apologise for having
shouted at you from my bedroom window the other night'!!!
It carries on
to explain the irritation caused by the late-night restoration of this, and
other Austin Sevens 'in varying stages of dismantling and decrepitude' in the
front garden - hillarious.
Within the file is a receipt for £20 made out
to Mr Bentley from July 1956 for the purchase, the car remaining in his hands
until his passing last year. The buff logbook dates back as far as 1951 when it
was owned by Mr Berry of Baldock. There are also four old tax discs from 1956 to
1958.
In 1956 Mr Bentley and his wife drove from Sale to St
Ives on holiday, aided by the most amazing RAC-supplied itinerary which gave
full and detailed directions, town maps and lots of things to do and places to
stay en-route. An early form of satnav? It was a round trip of 349 1/4
miles...
He joined the VSCC with the car in 1957 and photos on file show
it in use, in bits and being restored many years ago. It clearly was actively
used in the early days, but was subsequently taken to bits for what was to be
one of the longest restorations in history. Sitting there in
pieces finally got too much to bear so in 2007 it was sent out for
a professional restoration.
Seven Rebuilds of Coleford were
entrusted with the work and a super job they made of it too. Photos on file show
extensive work to the floorpan and body, particularly in the area of the
rear wheel arches. It was professionally repainted, retrimmed and fitted
with a new hood. There is a DVD on file too, which shows the extent of the work
done which is supported by invoices on file.
Once completed, the family
treasure shared its garage with a Bentley 3-Litre (every self-respecting Vintage
Bentley owner has at least one Austin Seven in the garage) and provided fun and
reliable service in and around Hay-on-Wye.
It comes with a battery
charger, a box of brake drums etc and a Pitman book of the Austin Seven.
Easy to own, taking up the same space as a couple of bicycles and great
fun to drive, every home should have one...
Contact [email protected]