1935 Austin Seven Hamblin Cadet Special

Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire 9000 - 10000 Registration No: UJ 4729 Chassis No: 215669 MOT: Exempt � Photo-documented restoration completed in 2022 � Reputedly one of only 600-700 built � Offered with a history file which includes a collection of MOTs and invoices � Uprated with electronic ignition, electric water pump and a twin carburettor-equipped racing cylinder head Some 103 years on from its introduction, the Austin Seven's popularity shows little sign of waning. Cheap to buy, easy to tune and hard to break (relatively speaking), the Seven utilised a lightweight A-frame chassis equipped with an all-round leaf-sprung suspension (semi-elliptic front / quarter-elliptic rear), four-wheel drum brakes and a spiral bevel back axle. Powered by a 747cc four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed (later four-speed) manual transmission, it was capable of some 50mph in standard tune but nearly two-and-a-half times that figure in Works supercharged single-seater guise! Indeed, it was enthusiasm for Herbert Austin's 'baby' that led to the foundation of the 750 Motor Club in 1939; an organisation which for many years seemed entirely focused on making decrepit Sevens into improbably fast racers or road cars. Introduced in January 1958, the Hamblin Cadet was among the better-known kits for transforming an Austin Seven into a two-seater sports car. Designed by crash repairer turned special builder Syd Hamblin, it was sold by the likes of Super Accessories, Boult Bros., Halifax Panel Beating Co. and Speedex. Priced at just �34 10s 0d (in self-build guise) but looking not unlike a formula racer thanks to its oval grille, cigar profile and bulbous tail, the fibreglass Cadet reputedly accounted for some 600-700 sales. This Austin Seven-based Hamblin Cadet has benefitted from much work, its photo-documented restoration being completed in 2022 and presented a timely opportunity to upgrade components for both reliability and performance. An overhauled engine, described as 'costing thousands', was utilised and built-up with a twin carburettor-equipped racing cylinder head, lightened flywheel, racing pistons, large inlet valves and a new crank. In turn, the ancillaries were uprated with electronic ignition and an electric water pump. It rides on uprated suspension, including new rear shock absorbers, a new large capacity aluminium tank and a re-wire before the bodywork was repainted. This enticingly sorted and handsome Special is being offered with a history file which includes a collection of MOTs and invoices, some of which date back to 1989, and the current V5C Registration Document.