4 speed in 3 speed gearbox

[Tony Johns]

    Back in 1981, four of the five Australia 'Raid' Austin 7's were fitted with Waite replica gearboxes. The Steinfort, Foster and John's cars box's were manufactured by Peter Holinger, a former Repco engineer then gearbox wiz. The project was more of a challenge for Peter rather than commercial. All he required from us was the bare housing and Hardy Spicer output flange. It was not long before I received a call suggesting that there was room for six speeds and not just the four we had requested. A great idea but would not have complied with the VSCC rules at the time. The other improvement you can see in the photo was a new longer imput housing designed to accomodate a four speed thrust race and retaining circlip groove.
The ratios chosen were from the gearbox Derek Jolly used when he brought his engine over to the Uk in the Colin Chapman racing days.  The gears and dog engagement were very similar to what Brineton Engineering now make for Vintage Bentleys and Bugattis, however they are not VSCC eligible. Fortunately Graeme Steinfort still has the 'Waite' gearbox so I guess he is still welcome to race back in the UK.
Not long our 1981 Raid the VSCC change the eligibility rules for Vintage Austin 7's, and the only change that affected our cars was the requirement that the centre line of the crankshaft had to be the centre line of the chassis.
Another amusing note ERA owner the late Bill Morris wrote a letter published in Motor Sport after listening to our cars at Prescott and our gear changing points, queried why the gate was marked R, 1,2 & 3. and why we started in reverse. The reply was no not reverse it stands for racing starts.
Tony Johns