The Austin 7 took the automotive market by storm upon its introduction in 1923. The diminutive "7" was available in several body styles, including a small collection of sport-oriented versions. These sports-Sevens were highly capable on track and were very successful in road racing. The Austin Ulster earned its name after the Austin 7 Sports Model won its class at the 1929 RAC Tourist Trophy in the Ulster province of Northern Ireland. The Ulster can be distinguished by doorless, aluminum coachwork with a pointed tail and a modified frame that positioned the car 3" lower than non-Sports models.
Most importantly, however, the Ulster shared its 747cc engine with the SuperSports model. The engines were reworked and strengthened by the Austin works team, resulting in a reliable and punchy engine that produced 24 horsepower or 35 horsepower with the optional supercharger. Both versions of the Ulster proved very successful on the track, notably winning the Brooklands Five Hundred Mile Race with Sammy Davis and Frederick Gordon-Lennox, 9th Duke of Richmond, at the wheel.
The history of this genuine Austin Ulster is well researched, fascinating, and complete. It is one of just 168 Austin Ulsters ever produced by the factory and ran in the Brighton Speed Trials in 1932, of which both photographs and logbooks exist. After racing, the Ulster spent a significant portion of its life in Australia as a part of a private collection where it is believed to have run in local races. It was later sold to a surgeon in Japan, who did some minor restoration work, before finding its way to its current owner, who began his racing career in a similar Austin 7 Ulster. It retains its original, Ulster-specific equipment, including a 100-mile-per-hour speedometer. This car is in superb condition and well worth the consideration of a pre-war sporting motoring enthusiast.
