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Push start of a 50 year love affair.

"Early in March 1961 I bought my first motorcar, a non-running 1925 Austin 7. The cost was £10, all the money I had, but a working example would have been unaffordable at £25-35. We actually pushed the Seven the mile or so home on the 11th of March 1961 - which was a Saturday! I was just 17, still at school, and had not passed my car-driving test. My father helped me re-build the engine to his exacting standards -- replacement parts coming from 'Clares for Spares' in Guildford -- the Seven finally taking to the road in March 1963. From then on I used it as everyday transport including commuting between Surrey and Durham at the beginning and end of each University term.
In 1974-5 my wife and I comprehensively restored the Seven, after which it continued to be used regularly until we bought our 1912 FN in 2002. The Austin sulked in the garage, but then for its 85th birthday last year it was re-fettled and we went motoring in it again.
I know of  others who have owned the same car for 50 or more years, but their first car for a similar length of time -- not so many. There's nothing really remarkable about my 1925 Austin 7, other than that we have spent most of our lives together!"
  
Malcolm Jeal
Send your congratulations to Malcolm!
 

Publié:
jeudi mars 10th, 2011
Inconnu
01 Août 2011, 07:53
Hi Malcolm, and hearty congratulations. However, I am almost up there with you as I purchased my 1929 Austin 16/6 Fabric Saloon in the June of 1962 for £35, but it was a 'runner'!
Last year I was able to make contact with the previous owner who now lives in Chicago, and In July (2011) I met him off the train at Sheerness Station - in the Austin, of course, for what can only be described as a very emotional re-union.
Cheers for now. Jim Stringer (Vintage Austin Register)
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Inconnu
11 Mars 2011, 21:19
It was very nice to read about your car Malcolm, and interesting to see the before and after photos. Best wishes, David.
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Bas de Voogd
11 Mars 2011, 08:26
I remember still buying spares at Clares in Guildford in the late seventies. Amazing company who could supply virtually anything pré war ex stock. I know the building still stands albeit heavy modified. Anybody else with Clare's memories or maybe even a picture ?
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Inconnu
11 Mars 2011, 08:25
Congratulations Malcolm, hope you still have the same wife as well ! Regards Rob.
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Inconnu
11 Mars 2011, 07:13
Great story.
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