1937/1959 Austin Seven Hamblin Cadet Sports
Coachwork by S E Hamblin Ltd
Registration no. VSU 351
Chassis no. 275259
Engine no. M201968
Based at Sherborne in Dorset, professional panel beater Sidney Hamblin built his first aluminium bodyshell in 1956. Launched as the Deluxe the following year, the pretty two-seater sports body was available to fit both Austin Seven wheelbase lengths as well as the smaller Ford chassis. In January 1958 Hamblins first glassfibre bodyshell - the Cadet - appeared. The latter continued after 1960 in Mk2 form, with integral rear wings, and subsequently was made available to fit the Ford Ten/Anglia, becoming the Super Two/Super Three.
This superbly well-crafted Cadet-bodied Seven Special was constructed over a 27-month period in the early-to-mid-1990s and exhibits a quite staggering attention to detail. The vehicle comes with a substantial file of receipts and other paperwork relating to its construction, including a full photographic record. Highlights of its specification include a Vince Leek-built engine incorporating a Phoenix crankshaft and high-lift cams and followers, cross-flow radiator, Fiesta water pump, high-pressure lubrication with cartridge filter, four-speed gearbox with straight-cut pinions, 12-volt electrics and hydraulic brakes. The glassfibre body is supported by a tubular-steel spaceframe supplementing the original Seven chassis. Finished in British Racing Green with tan leather seats, this charming historic special is offered with fresh MoT and Swansea V5.