At first sight it might seem rather bizarre to envisage an Austin 7 in military service unless it was in an episode of Dad's Army. However looks can be deceiving and these little machines may look cute but they are also surprisingly tough and many a modern day trials driver will attest to their excellent cross-country ability. A combination of light weight and high manoeuvrability means that they can often tackle rough ground that would leave a larger, more powerful vehicle floundering on its axles.
First registered in August 1935, this vehicle is said by the vendor to be one of only 224 such cars made for military use in 1935, of which only six are thought to survive. The model designation is Type APD Open Tourer and it was made for Military Contract Number V2734. This one is chassis number 228208 (two seat car with standard radiator and no water pump). The car number is APD 2829. The paint spec is 381 of 1930 deep bronze green (Khaki).
The original engine number was 228719, although this was removed early on, possibly by the military during WW2, to fit a larger 10hp engine, possibly from a Hillman. This may have been something to do with the duties it was being used for. The 10hp engine is not present, but it has a period Austin 7 engine and gearbox, both of which have been rebuilt. The car has two petrol tanks, one at the front under the bonnet and one at the rear. There is a built-in ammunition box under the driver's seat. A gun-mounting was positioned at the front between the driver's and passenger's seats. While the gun mounting is no longer present, the fixing holes are still visible.
Found abandoned in an aircraft hangar in Lincolnshire (where it may well have performed airfield duties during the war), the vehicle has now been extensively refurbished and is said to be in good running order. It comes with a fair amount of history including several period photographs, an old buff log book and modern V5C. Altogether a most rare and interesting vehicle that would merit further investigation.
;)
;)