From: Bruce White ([email protected])
Date: 24 Jan 2002
Time: 20:33:14
Remote Name: 129.96.230.135
Dennis,
I guess you are talking about the 'AC' Tourer model produced from June 1924. I believe the 'AD' model was introduced around February, 1926. The expert in Australia would be Bill Sheean (sp?) in the Victorian A7 club. Courtenay Rumble is a member of this club as well, his contact details are:
and his web site is at:
To my knowledge there are no actual drawings around but I stand to be corrected. I think your best bet is to find the closest model you like and take plans off it... Using a digital camera and taking cardboard templates is an easy way to do this. I have forwarded plans to people using this method with success. I guess if you’re constructing a conceptual replica version, close enough is good enough. The other things you might want to consider is the chassis and braking system used. The early 6” brakes were interesting... If you plan on driving the car you might want to use 7” coupled brakes.
There are several great books around (you can checkout the book list on this site). I think the best is for this job is ‘The Austin Seven Source Book’ by Bryan Purves. It has some drawings as well. Also, if you have not seen the book by Rinsey Mills – ‘Original Austin Seven’, it would be a good start, see page 20.
In general, there would be more knowledge on the earlier Sevens in the UK rather then Australia. Our UK Austineer friends can most likely offer you more assistance.
My last comment would be to consider joining a club in OZ and keeping your eyes open for a car that needs restoring or an unfinished project. Prices in Adelaide anyways are very depressed and bargains are out there. As mentioned above, the problem would be finding an early model here.
Hope this helps a bit....
Bruce