40th National Rally of Austin Sevens at Beeaulieu - 7th July 2002

By John Sutton
 

 

This popular event was as well supported as ever and attracted a wide range of Austin 7 models. Apart from the concours d'elegance there were various awards for the different classes and even an award for the car having travelled the furthest distance.

On Saturday evening there was a Barbeque with a live band, flown in from Lanzarotte, who played all the favourite 1960's pop tunes. Over 150 people were fed by Martin and Louise Eyre.
Sunday was overcast but mercifully the rain held off and picnics were taken by the regulars.

The Gymkhana was also popular and it was good to see the young members competing against their parents. The "Speedy" is not the easiest to jump in and out of but such a rare model always attracts attention.

The Austin 7 has always been, almost from inception, the basis for special competition cars and here is the Jane Willment single seater in front of a row of "Chummies" from which it would have been derived.

 

The more sporting models were raced by private entrants before WW II and the their successes encouraged the building of numerous replicas. Here are an original "Ulster" and the much modified and raced "Rolt Ulster" now supercharged. The former used to be stripped for racing and was quick enough in 1974 to take the VSCC Voiturette Trophy from the latter at Thruxton, being timed at 95mph!