1929 Austin Seven Gordon England Stadium up for sale

[Chris Garner]

As the co-owner of the car, yes there is a reserve. A sensible one. One would be mad not to have one!
Referring to the number plate; there is absolutely no evidence that the car the car was ever registered in the UK. This is based on the assumption that the front plate at least is the original as it bears all the hall marks of being so. There is no evidence of any markings whatsoever, numbers or letters. The two holes in the front plate suggest this may have held an US plate. We are sure the car was US registered at some time. Whether any information can be found on this, we are not certain.
Our contention is that it was shipped by Gordon England to the States as a Motor Show car, New York or similar. We know that several GE models were displayed at Shows in America over a number of years. Is this one of them? Post to this is anyone's guess. We find it difficult to comprehend that the car was used as a " tender " car by the triple A organisation whose logo is on both doors. A display vehicle perhaps but it has not covered many miles and, mechanically at least, has been well maintained.
We don't believe it's former history will ever be unearthed.

[goodwoodweirdo]

Chris,

Good evening, many thanks for your comments above all adds to a fantastic story !!

good luck with the auction

cheers
Matt

[Chris Garner]

You're welcome and thanks.
Chris.

[Colin Morgan]

There may be the opportunity to trace the history of this car in America - which would add greatly to the interest of owning it?

(When I traced the history of an AD tourer based in Oregon, I asked - by phone [then email] - at a major Oregon city library whether they could provide any assistance. A professional librarian there was extremely helpful - telling me what was possible, how much it would cost, and handling the correspondence with the state DMV, and then verifying and signing the information received so it could be used as evidence with the DVLA. The process required significant detective work, but it was possible in the end to trace the original owners from dates and other clues in the information the DMV provided, even though the DMV had blanked out all names and addresses on the copies sent! The Oregon DMV had kept all it is records going right back, and now held them digitally - and was prepared to provide printed copies for a small fee.)

[Erich]

Colin, sadly, every lead we have attempted is a dead end. Multiple stories as to its provenance have come out, including from the seller in the US, but seem very plausible. We do know that GE exhibited cars in the US at the New York Auto Show for several years, including the car which was later shipped back to the UK and became the Machlachlan Special. What I suspect, given the car's apparent light usage, is that it came over as an exhibition for GE and remained in the US as something of a curiosity. American cars at the time were quite large and the Baby Austins were unusual. The Bantams were often found in Hollywood where their diminutive size was unusual. What we do know is the car was found in shed behind a filling station about a decade ago, and said shed was being demolished, with the car ending up in the ownership of one Murray Smith. He hung plates on it and, unfortunately, had the seats redone.

Erich in Mukilteo

[Ruairidh Dunford]

These photographs (number 26 through to 53), were taken after it was “discovered” in 2009.


https://gordonenglandregister.wordpress....ousel-1076

[Steve kay]

Bidding now closed, £16,540.