1934 Austin Seven 65 Sports

• From the estate of Bill and Mai Gocher of Elmstone, Kent; sold on behalf of the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary

After the successful Ulster racer, Austin switched to a less exotic and more affordable sports model: the 65, introduced mid-1933. A standard Seven chassis was used with a bowed front axle, flatter road springs, and 19"-diameter wheels. The 747cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine featured a high-lift camshaft and a Zenith downdraught carburettor for improved performance. Power output was 21bhp at 4,000rpm. Apart from a few early examples, all were fitted with the Ruby-type gearbox with synchromesh on the upper three ratios. Introduced in 1934, its almost identical Nippy successor had steel body panels.

According to Original Austin Seven by Rinsey Mills: "The rounded tail had an opening boot which only housed the spare wheel and tools; the separate luggage compartment was reached from inside the car by tipping the seats forward. In common with all sports Sevens up to this time, the body panels were of aluminium, but fully-valanced steel cycle wings were now introduced on sports models and these continued to be used on all further varieties. Some 275 65s were made."

The accompanying HPI report records this vehicle as a 1934 Austin Seven 65 ('Doorplan : Sports') noting the date of first UK registration as 7th February 1972 and commencement of the current keeper's ownership on 23rd May 2003; it is also noted that the vehicle was previously registered overseas. The current V5C records the vehicle as a 1934 Austin Seven 65 and lists a Mr Ridpath of Pulborough as previous keeper. The document also records a registration date of 1st July 1990. It should be noted that the accompanying V5C Registration Certificate records the engine number as '208959' rather than that presently fitted.

Also included within the history file is correspondence from a previous owner, Mr A Thomas, who states: "I spent eight years auto-jumbling trying to find original '65 crankcases, as only around 500 were made during 1933-34, but without success. I therefore fitted a Type '65 specification Phoenix crankshaft and connecting rods together with a sports camshaft. The car carried the name 'Gwen' painted on the bonnet along with two Union Jacks, which led me to suspect it may have been used in competition, although my enquiries and advertisements in period publications failed to uncover any supporting history."

An Austin Seven Clubs' Association record, dated 1990 and included within the history file, lists the following details:

• Chassis Number: 186108
• Registration Number: OC 7195
• Engine Number: 208959
• Body Number: 249
• Date of Registration: 24 March 1934
• Model Number: 18
• Model Description: Nippy 65
• Colour/Trim: Red/Black

A further document dated 1998 records work undertaken during an engine rebuild, including:

• Phoenix crankshaft
• Phoenix connecting rods
• Rebore and new pistons
• Main bearings
• Camshaft bearing
• Timing gears
• Reground camshaft
• Valves and springs
• Clutch and springs
• Reaburn oil filtration system and associated pipework
• Complete gasket and seal set

The same document notes the exterior finish as Rover Cherry Red (19076).

Also on file is a 1991 letter from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust stating that chassis number '186108' corresponds to a vehicle manufactured in 1933, while registration mark 'OC 7195' was issued in Birmingham during 1934.

A 2003 purchase receipt and accompanying classified advertisement describe the Austin as being fitted with a Phoenix crankshaft and connecting rods, weather equipment and a stainless-steel exhaust system, the vendor at the time describing the car as 'a little gem'.

The history file also contains MoT certificates dating from 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010, together with various Austin Seven-related magazines, a collection of expired tax discs, a photocopy of an earlier V5, and old/current V5/V5C documents.

The car is fitted with hood irons and a detachable hood. Other notable features include a spare wheel shod with an Avon tyre; a jack; Stepney Tyres transfer on the boot lid; Brooklands badge on the radiator grille; and a supplier's plaque to the door trim reading: 'Supplied by J.W. Stocks Ltd, Broad Street, Birmingham.'

Its late owner was a lifelong Austin enthusiast, and this Seven appears to have benefited from restoration at some point in its life, although the date and extent of the work are not known (residue within the engine bay may point to works being required hence the vehicle is sold strictly as viewed). An affixed tax disc expiring in November 2014 may indicate the car's last period of regular road use.

Following a period of inactivity, this vehicle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to this vehicle's completeness, specification, compatibility of component parts, engine capacity, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.