Article on Austin

Sir,

Regarding the article on Austin 7, CA 6577, perhaps you would be interested in the following.

I purchased the original 1924 CA 6577 in 1955, for £10, from a gentleman in, or rear, Twickenham. It had been unused since 1933, when the body had been removed to facilitate storage! Due to lack of time, I sold the car to my cousin and helped him to construct a Special. This had a Cambridge body, slab tank, etc. The front axle was bent to Ulster pattern—it had no tapered shocker holes in it, so Mr. Williams of Cambridge Engineering said he would have the axle reset, but could not do the usual exchange on it, or what would the next chap think, with no shocker mounting holes!? Ruby wheels were fitted; and lightened flywheel circa 1957 or ’58.

Dennis Wallis, of Downton, Wilts., purchased it and fitted Bowden IFS (very good) later, heavier-gauge chassis, coil ignition engine, four-speed gearbox, large valves, etc., and one bog SU off a Daimler. I remember it went very well, ‘and the handling was good. 15-inch wheels were also fitted.

Dennis, I believe, sold the car to Barry Clark, and there I lost touch.

Outwood J. A. Davidson