1929 Austin 7 Ulster
The Austin Seven Supersports, first raced in 1928 was by 1930 offered in two forms, the Sports 2-Seater and the Super Sports 2-Seater with supercharger, and by 1931 had become generally known as the Ulster, though not by the Austin Works. The cars were exceptionally successful in all forms of competition, particularly the 1929 and 1930 Ulster TT races, hence the name, but although marketed in both forms until 1932, relatively few were produced.
Demand for these superbly practical little sports cars has led to a small industry producing replicas, utilising the ready supply of Austin 7 Saloon Chassis waiting to be converted. The quality of some of these replicas however was sometimes questionable, and the correct ingredients must be assembled to produce an acceptable result.
PYW 492 consists of an August 1930 short (6ft 3 inch) chassis, with a tuned early coil type engine, 4-speed gearbox, hydraulic brakes and proper aluminium body of the correct shape and specification by the well known expert restorer Tom Bowhill, and has been in this form for many years. The car is intended for hard driving of course, and is made more user-friendly by some items of the specification, particularly the very effective hydraulic brakes and the 4 speed gearbox (not all of which are acceptable to the VSCC but are fine for 750 competition) and other sensible modifications include slightly smaller wheels and tyres and 12 volt electrics (including flashing indicators).
The car is fitted with a splendid and correct outside exhaust system, cycle type wings, full lighting set, tonneau cover and bonnet and rear panel straps.
Altogether a very well sorted and practical sporting Seven, excellent for road use, and easily retuned to VSCC acceptable condition if required.
