The theme of the National Austin 7 rally, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, on Sunday 5th July, is ‘Austin 7s and their Cousins’ and already a unique collection of rare vehicles is lining up to join the more familiar models of Austin 7 that form the main displays.
The organisers have recently heard from a group of enthusiasts in Germany who are intending to bring their ‘BMW Dixi’ cars to the rally and it is expected that they will be joined by a substantial group of French ‘Rosengarts’. These are derivatives of the pre-war Austin 7 and were manufactured abroad under licence.
With the possibility of at least a dozen, very rare, military versions of the Austin 7 also attending the event, the special display areas on the rally field are guaranteed to be of huge interest to enthusiasts and the general public.
The rally is organised by the 750 Motor Club and is open to all Austin 7 owners regardless of whether or not they are club members. Austins form the core of the event, but pre-1975 vehicles of all makes are invited to attend and will have a designated parking area on the rally field.
Members of the Trials section of the 750 Motor Club will be demonstrating the extraordinary ability of drivers and the amazing agility of their purpose-built cars on the steep slopes of the rally field banking. There will be a large variety of autojumble and spares stalls, and, throughout the day informal driving challenges will be taking place in the arena.
The National Austin 7 Rally is a wonderful and entertaining day out for enthusiasts and for families alike – and a great place to come if you are contemplating buying one of these ever-popular and relatively inexpensive pre-war cars. Austin 7 owners are among the friendliest of old car enthusiasts and will happily chat and give advice to prospective owners. Beaulieu is home to a wide variety of attractions and the rally entry ticket also gives access to the historic Palace House and Gardens and the National Motor Museum.
The event is sponsored by Warranty Direct Limited and RH Specialist Insurance. Full details and entry forms will be found on the website: http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin7. Gates will open at 9am.