A BUSY BEAULIEU WEEK-END-AUCTION SALE, V.S.C.C. TESTS, PRE-WAR AUSTIN 7 RALLY

Those who enjoy a visit to Beaulieu, where Lord Montagu is extending the attractions beyond the original conception of a Motor Museum at a Stately Home by introducing go-karting, whippet-racing, an elaborate model-railway, children’s amusements, etc., should make a note of the week-end of July 3rd/4th. On the Saturday the Veteran & Vintage Vehicle Auction Sale takes place, although in our opinion these sales are now of interest only to the very wealthy, to speculators and to the motor trade. On Sunday July 4th, the V.S.C.C, Driving Tests and 750 M.C. Third National Austin Seven Rally takes place, The former will permit visitors to see all manner of vintage and p.v.t. cars in furious action. The latter underlines the enormous interest that exists in historic Austin 7s, since they have been fostered by the Cambridge Group, Vintage Austin Register, Pre-War Austin 7 Club and the Austin Seven Register of the 750 M.C. This remarkable rally is open to anyone, whether a Club member or not, who owns a pre-war Austin 7 of other than Big Seven or home-built Special type. They can either enter for one of the 13 different classes (which cater for open, closed, sports and commercial Sevens from 1922-30, 1931-34 and 1935-39, in ” showroom,” ” pride of ownership ” or ” brought on a trailer ” state of preservation, for which various prizes, including the Montagu Challenge Cup, B.M.C. Trophy, Car Components Cup, Autosport Cup and plaques will be awarded) or just arrive in a Seven to spectate, in which case free admission for driver and passengers will be granted to a special Austin enclosure. Entry for the contest costs 6s. per car, closing on June 26th, and forms are available from M. E. Ware, Hat 2, Upper Palace Stables, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire. There will be a social, with inter-Centre quiz for Austin 7 owners in the Domes Restaurant from 8 p.m. on the Saturday and a “Bring and Buy” sale of Austin 7 components during the Sunday. This unique rally is expected to bring together over 300 Austin 75, of which some 180 or more will be competing in the Concours d’Elegance judged by famous Austin 7 personalities as S. C. H. Davis, Charles Goodacre, etc. The Austin 7 was as much a part of the pre-Hitler British social scene as the model-T Ford was in the American way of life and all lovers of the Birmingham babies should be at Beaulieu to welcome the surviving examples on July 4th.—W. B.