As we looked through the catalogue for the Richard Edmonds three day auction, ( 20 - 22 October) one car jumped out at us as being unusual, interesting and not unattractive. The 1923 Horstman is described as one of nine survivors. This four seater tourer was once owned by Sidney Horstman who founded the Horstman Car Co. in 1913 and the delightful action shot of the car could easily be taken in 1923, especially when seen in black and white.
A beautifully restored car retaining all its original features, we hope to see it appear again in VSCC Light Car events.
Another eminently suitable car for such events is the 1924 Pram Hood Austin 7 Chummy which we last saw in the Finds and Discoveries pages of The Automobile (April 2015). The owner has now fitted correct beaded edge wheels which look so much better than the later well based wheels worn when the car was seen at Brooklands.
This little gem will need some work to make it ready for the road, but not as much as the 1931 Austin 7 Ulster - or should I say its remains. However, the prices fetched by Austin Sevens demonstrate that buyers appreciate their qualities - the simple yet effective design just works. It transcends all boundaries and is instantly accepted into most old car events. Parts are plentiful and it can often be fixed at the side of the road.
Gone are the days when the Austin 7 was looked down upon - remember the 1920s Punch cartoon when a large vintage car draws alonside a diminutive Austin, only to flick cigar ash into the inferior car below?
This writer's first car was a 1939 Austin 8 Tourer, much like the one offered here, but in civilian grey, and it was usually able to beat the 1936 Morris 8 Tourer belonging to a fellow college student because he only had three gears whereas the austin had four.
Happy Days... and we wish you plentiful happy days in whichever old car you choose to help keep you young!
Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy Richard Edmonds Auctions.