The Austin 7 Centenary Event 2022

[Mark McKibbin]

Bernie Jacobsen used to regularly visit Europe from Australia with his Lagonda Rapier. I seem to recall he gave up about four years ago because the Australian authorities imposed a total ban on importing asbestos, and his car would be have to subjected to a total disassembly on return by the Australian customs at the owner's expense! Needless to say he found this restriction a major problem; even though he could prove his brake linings were asbestos-free, he couldn't prove the bands in the pre-selector gearbox were, so the gearbox would have had to be completely dismantled and rebuilt. I have contacted him to check whether I've got the story right - hopefully I'll be able to add further info in due course.

It might be worth checking the New Zealand regs before you commit to anything.

Mike,

Bernie did return under the new regime and it is a fantastic/tragic story that he no doubt will tell you when he replies.  Yes the Australian Gov banned the import of asbestos long ago and was surprised when a certain Chinese car manufacturer was found to be still using it in exhaust gaskets, that started a silly process of demanding all imports even old cars were inspected (randomly) for asbestos, there is now a company in the UK that will do the required certification for cars going to Australia.