You can do everything in an Austin 7!

If you subscribe to our sister magazine The Automobile, you may have read Matthew Bell’s column in which he argues that the only car you’ll ever need in your life is an Austin Seven. We might be entering a minefield here, but fact is that this little car can do everything you ask from it. And what better proof is there than the ‘crazy’ idea of Eunice Kratky and Guy Butcher from the UK who plan is to drive a 1930’s Austin Seven from New York to Alaska before turning south to Tierra del Fuego, at the tip of South America. The total distance is expected to be about 25,000 miles or 40,000 kilometres. They are setting off in 2012, which is also the 90th Anniversary of the first Austin 7. Through this adventure they wish to raise funds to help children & young people with special or additional needs. To achieve this goal, they have set up bespk.com (Bringing Extra to SPecial Kids) – a non-profit organisation. The target is to raise £1 million pounds.
Their Austin Seven (on the main photo when it was bought) is being completely rebuilt and specially prepared for the adventure, with the help and advice of many friends. We at PreWarCar will keep you informed of their progress.

Publié:

mardi août 2nd, 2011

Inconnu

04 Août 2011, 23:25

I know of two Rolls-Royce cars that have completed this trip, a 1924 Springfield Silver Ghost and a 1957 Silver Cloud. The 1957 car started in Victoria, BC, Canada, drove north as far as you can go in Alaska, then drove south to Tierra del Fuego, and is now in Mexico on the final lap back to Canada. The car had to go on ferries for short distances where there are no roads. The main problems seem to have been a leaking power steering pump, a gas tank holed on a rough road, and border crossing staff who had to be bribed.

Inconnu

03 Août 2011, 16:02

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Coleman's passing. I met him about 5 years ago while manning a marshal's post on a rally. He stopped to chat and watch the rally pass. When he left, he gave me a copy of his book. It was a great read.

Inconnu

03 Août 2011, 12:56

I would imagine the gallant Eunice and Guy will have allowed plenty of time for their trip. The 'cruising' speed of the 7 was about 30mph (top speed, 45- 50), but on a trip like this the average achievable under all conditions will probably be little more than 15, and so without rest periods or time spent on repairs it will occupy about 7 months. One problem will be the brakes which, as your illustration shows, were miniscule- although at least there were four of them. Another could be overloading. The 'A' shaped chassis frame stopped well ahead of the rear axle and the rear of the body would sag or crack if frequently obliged to carry too much weight over rough roads. Personally, on such a trip I'd like to be 'supported' by a nice big American Motor Home. A 'Holiday Rambler Auguta 293TS' would do very nicely- pity it would cost more than a dozen preserved Austin Sevens, though!!

Inconnu

03 Août 2011, 11:07

Well done both and, yes, an Austin 7 is the only means of transport you ever really need---one of the most enjoyable,friendly,reliable and characterful motors ever designed on planet Earth ! You are about to become a member of a small band of travellers who have met similar challenges in this way over the decades and you will have an unforgetable experience---very worthwhile indeed. I wish you every success.

Inconnu

03 Août 2011, 08:25

Remember Coleman's drive in 1960. He drove from Buenos Aires to New York in a 1925 Austin 7 Chummy. Sadly, he was killed in 2010 when he crashed his Morris Minor on ice in Hampshire. He was 80, I believe. His book about his adventures was serialised in Veteran and Vintage magazine.

Inconnu

03 Août 2011, 06:20

Hallo, its a great Idea, the Austin 7 is a car you can do everything with.
We wated to go to New Zeeland in the 1960th.o the FIVA Woerldrallye, but the etery fee was to high.
I used the DIXI (Lizens of Austin7)for more than 20.000 KM at this time. Usually we has a 5 conrod, Front and Rear Hub with us and cutted the oil tins ? getween the Zylinderblock and the Crankhouse, so we could change the roods without taken the whole Engine in parts.

You can do everything in an Austin 7!

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