Registration No: CKW 900
Chassis No: T76465
MOT: Exempt

• A very nicely detailed 'Nippy' Evocation built around a genuine Austin body
• Painstakingly assembled by the vendor over a twenty-year period using professional help
• A 'labour of love' that cost some £21,000
• Tuned engine, four-speed manual gearbox, authentic tool kit and mounts etc

Brainchild of Herbert Austin and Stanley Edge, the Austin Seven looked almost impossibly small when launched in 1922. Based around an 'A-frame' chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, four-wheel drum brakes and a spiral bevel back axle, it was powered by a sewing machine-esque 747cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed (later four-speed) manual transmission. An evolution of the Type EB ‘65’ which itself had been inspired by the legendary Type EA Sports ‘Ulster’, the Type AEB ‘Nippy’ arrived during 1934. Visually near identical to its immediate predecessor with the same low-slung stance and distinctive rounded tail, the newcomer was predominantly bodied in steel over an ash frame (though, early cars utilised the same aluminium panelling as the Type EB ‘65’). Powered by a tuned engine allied to four-speed manual transmission and benefiting from a lowered centre of gravity, the Type AEB ‘Nippy’ proved an amusingly brisk and chuckable sports car. Phased out in 1937, total ‘Nippy’ production is thought to have amounted to just c.800 cars. Among the more characterful Seven models, the 'Nippy' has inspired a host of imitations / recreations over the years.

Missing the Nippy he owned from 1968-2020, the vendor set about having a replacement effectively scratch-built. Based on a later chassis but with a genuine Nippy body and Sports engine, this Evocation is worthy of close inspection. Bead blasted, ‘boxed’ for extra strength and Black enamelled, the chassis carries a correct bowed front axle, strengthened steering radius arms, Nippy 9E steering box, Andre Hartford front / longer lever-arm rear dampers and overhauled brakes. Sitting on a new ash frame, the body panels were assembled and painted Signal Red by Paul Williams of Seven Rebuilds. Rewired throughout with armoured cabling, the two-seater was entrusted to Ruairidh Dunford of Alba Austins for an exhaustive engine overhaul complete with Kent ‘fast road’ camshaft, 9E large capacity finned aluminium sump, 14-bolt cylinder head, 9E inlet manifold and Phoenix crankshaft / conrods etc. The Zenith 30 VM–5 carburettor was refurbished by Steve Hodgson, while Vince Leek rejuvenated the Sports gearbox (marked with ‘S’ to the rear). The starter motor and dynamo were renovated by QX Components and the upholstery renewed with correct pattern ribbed leather. The wire wheels were powder coated and shod with fresh tyres. Derby Plating restored the brightwork and Jess Dilley re-cored the radiator. The project cost over £21,700.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737