There’s no doubt that this American Austin looks like a tiny Model A. The proportions are a bit off, but from most angles you would actually think it’s an American design. It’s in rough shape and is missing a lot of important bits, but I have a plan for it that negates some of the problems! In Europe, these little Austins were quite popular with racers who removed the original bodies and installed lightweight creations. I propose building a speedster style body for this one! It would be a huge amount of work, but how cool would it be to have your very own tiny boat tail raceabout? Find this massive little project here on eBay in La Canada Flintridge, California with bidding just over $1k. Special thanks to Peter R for this tip!
The lack of an engine and transmission is a bit of a problem, well at least if you want to run something original. Personally, I’d be perfectly happy running a more modern engine or even a v-twin motorcycle engine. There are a ton of options though, all it’s really limited to is your imagination and wallet. So what engine would you put in it?
There really aren’t many of these left here in the States, so it would be a bit sad to chop it up for a race car. Of course, this one is missing most of what makes it a car anyways. I’m going to guess it was already hot rodded, so returning it to one is definitely another option. I’d rather turn it into a canyon carver, but the thought of drag racing it is a fun one too. What do you think? Should it be restored, hot rodded or given a lightweight and sleek body?
poor Austin 7 already been chopped up
You could put a v-twin 22 or so hp Briggs and Stratton in it and it would have more zip than the original. This would be fun to do totally custom.
that would be funny
I like the idea of a kubota diesel 2 or 3 cyl?
if one could find one cheap enough
Those Kubota 3 cylinders are great little engines and I actually know how to get used ones. My dad has a carpet cleaning business and all of his newer machines are powered by these engines. Complete truck mount carpet machines are pricey new, but used ones are easy to get and if you don’t need the blower or water pump, they are pretty cheap.
Or how about MG drivetrain.
I thought about that one too JCW. I was thinking a Midget engine would be crazy in it. My other thought was a Sprites engine, maybe a 1275!
I would drop a Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle engine in it. Dealing with the shaft drive VTX motor might be interesting, but I have one of these bikes and it pulls like a freight train. It would be very different, for sure.
Ls1 and chop it. Make it a mini roadster.
How about a triumph rocket 3 engine swap!
I wouldn’t want it. With just duck tape to hold the doors shut you could get thrown out in an accident…………….
Just returned from the 25th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion in BAKERSFIELD! These little monsters were in every shape or form. Street rods and altered race cars. One of the coolest was a bright green fuel altered from Famosa Speed Shop! I would be surprised if it left California!
Or you could go the complete opposite direction & do something like this……
http://www.speedhunters.com/2016/10/austin-reimagined-quarter-mile/
That’s funny I purchased all the spare parts to *this* car before it went up for sale, 2 frames, axles, suspension….ect. Even shipped them all to Michigan.