1935 Austin Seven Speedex Special
Registration no. RSK 879 Chassis no. 217904

Bonhams MPH September Auction - Live Auction with Bidding in the Socially Distanced Room, Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding|20 September 2020, 13:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1935 Austin Seven Speedex Special
Registration no. RSK 879
Chassis no. 217904

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Jem Marsh Speedex
*Re-built engine still running-in
*Recently fitted with new gearbox

In Les Brown's 2017-published 'Special Obsessions' book the author outlined 15 reasons for the rise of the special in post-war Britain: 'Inventiveness', 'Practical Skills' and 'Surplus Parts' are some of the dozen-plus reasons why the specials movement took off, and then led to some suppliers and builders going on to greater things. One such was Jem Marsh, founder of Speedex and who later founded Marcos Cars.
Today's classic scene has fully embraced the specials' movement, with many cars being resurrected in recent years for trialling, sprinting and racing events.
For anyone looking for such a car this example, based on a 1935 Austin Seven, offers an accurate snapshot of what a special should be, coming to the sale with good un-painted bodywork. The interior, while simplicity itself, is in generally good order throughout. Our vendor says the engine has been re-built recently with a competition camshaft fitted but is yet to be fully run-in, and that its starting and running is excellent.
Running gear, including a 'racing-shift' gearbox, is said to be excellent and the electrical system is vendor-assessed as good.

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Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 75/100

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Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 20/20
Mechanical components: 5
Running: 5
Starting: 5
Under Bonnet: 5

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 19/20
Axles: 5
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Suspension: 5

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 3

Additional information

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