IN THE HUNDRED PLUS years of the motor car, give the Brits a production car and some person will find an excuse to use it in competition. Even the most unlikely models have fallen into the scheme of things, many a popular family saloon has travelled the competitive road to fame, not least the ubiquitous Austin Seven.
By the time production of the model ceased before the Second World War, Sevens had provided the basis for works supported circuit cars in both two seater and single seater form and had been campaigned by privateers in replica form and as home grown specials, using the car's basic components.
Not withstanding this Sevens had been rallied, were popular mounts in sporting trials and had made their mark in speed record attempts and endurance events. In the early days engine capacity class divisions started with " up to 1100cc", hardly favouring the 747cc from Longbridge.
Racing was expensive and the redoubtable Bill Boddy of Motor Sport, suggested in his February 1939 edition, that a club be founded, the Seven Fifty Motor Club, to create a fairer climate in
which Seven owners could compete and less expensively. The suggestion was readily acceptable and the club organised its first sporting trial in June '39. Other meetings were organised in that pre-war year, following which events of a competitive nature were suspended for the duration of the war. The inactivity only served to increase the determination of this band of enthusiasts to expand the competitive programme on the cessation of hostilities.
Motor racing purely for Austin Sevens was the aim and with this in mind the late Holland Birkett set about devising a formula and asking other clubs to include a race for Sevens in their circuit meetings. From this grew the Eight Clubs association, a group of the smaller clubs, of which 750 Motor Club were a founder member.
To this day, following the inaugural race meeting, at Silverstone, on the 3rd of June '50, the Eight Clubs organisation, the 750 Formula and the now famous Six Hour Relay still exist. That first event which included the first 750 Formula race included an entry of a Lotus 2, with a young chap by the name of Colin Chapman driving. From little acorns...
The club now caters for more than the needs of the Austin Seven fraternity, having satisfied a wide cross section of low cost motor sport enthusiasts. The proof of this is a calendar listing in excess of 30 fully licensed race days in 1995, covering 9 separate purposed devised formulae. A monthly bulletin includes technical and vehicle renovation articles, events reports and other items of interest serving the wide needs of the membership. Of particular interest are the various special discount schemes that club members enjoy.
Beaulieu has also taken on an Austin Seven mantle, since July 1963, as the venue for the marque's biggest National Rally, but which by now could, because of its content, truly claim international status with its increasing international following.
The foregoing may give the impression that the club is heavenly biassed towards competitive events, nothing is further from the truth. All Seven enthusiasts are welcome throughout the UK and around the World. In the UK alone there are some twenty centres, holding monthly meetings and social events where like-minded enthusiasts can meet and exchange ideas, receive advice and support.
Contact can be made by phoning Mike Peck 750 Motor Club's General Secretary on 01959 757812 or the club's Competition Secretary, Robin Knight on 01379 384268.
Peter Cahill
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