Lot 327: 1929 Austin 7 Ulster Replica - ex Rowan Atkinson

The Seven first emerged from Longbridge in July 1922 and by 1929 over 100,000 had been built becoming Austin's best seller between 1926 and 1932. By the time production ceased in 1939 over 260,000 had left the production line. From its inception the Seven became both prominent and successful in competitive events and sports models were an important part of the range offered. Produced from 1929 to 1932 perhaps the most familiar and best known of all the sports models is the Ulster, an unofficial title won after the works team's enormous success in the TT held at that venue. It is generally accepted that just 200 original Ulsters were built of which approximately 50 were supercharged. These cars, originally designed as sportscars, invariably found their way onto the racetracks proving both popular and successful in the hands of numerous enthusiastic amateur drivers. Such is the appeal of these original Ulsters that a multitude of replicas have been built of varying quality and accuracy. YC 5858 is without doubt one of the better examples featuring an original Ulster engine. The bodywork has been accurately copied in aluminium to the correct specification and is attractively finished in orange with black wings and beige upholstery. This charming car oozes all the character of an original and was once owned by Rowan Atkinson, who is not only famous for his legendary impersonation of Mr Bean, but also for being a classic car enthusiast of the finest order. It is believed that the car has been sympathetically restored just prior to Mr Atkinson's purchase of the car in the early 1990s and is, according to the vendor, still presented in good condition throughout. It comes with a blue VSCC racing certificate and a fresh MOT certificate. A delightful car eager to prove why these models were so desirable when new and remain so sought after today, equally good fun on the road or on the many events this Austin 7 is eligible for.