04-09-2018, 12:29 PM
(04-09-2018, 12:17 PM)Chris Garner Wrote: AntC,
I hope you find what you are looking for but I would ask you not to consider a Top Hat saloon as a trials car. Firstly they are rare, and perhaps more important, and will not stand up to the rigours of trialing without possibly extensive body damage. The ash frame in a Top Hat starts to rot from the top downwards and often need very extensive work.
I am fortunate to have found a late '28 Top Hat which had been garaged since the mid '70s. Mechanically it had been well maintained but the engine was seized. With the car came the original engine which I have rebuilt using a Barlow crank. Now back on the road, it is very " oily rag ", but basically sound. The only problem is that with the window rubbers in a parlous state they rattle like hell and slide open of their own accord! The car should be on the PWA7C stand at the NEC Show in November if you wish to see it.
Chris, I take your point and, if I get a Top Hat, it will not be used for trialing, so please don't loose sleep on that account.
I am aware of the rarity and fragility, it's just that they are my favourite Austin 7.
I remember back in the early 60s when I worked at Beaulieu, seeing a Top Hat trials car belonging to Michael Ware, then the museum photographer and stalwart of the 750MC, and he had one tucked away in a garage. I never saw it being driven!
Ant