Northern Sports Car Club - the early years.

[Roger Dowding]

It would appear that two different cars are being referred to. The famous supercharged Austin is illustrated in “My early Motor Racing Engineering” here:-

http://ralphwatson.scienceontheweb.net

It will be seen that there are clearly differences between the images.

I have a dim recollection of advice that two cars were imported pre-war by Seabrook Fowlds (Spellin?) Auckland, Austin agents, and one could have had an engine transplant. It would be interesting to investigate the history involved.

Trevor, thank you for the comments - looking at the pictures taken only a few months apart the car was a light colour at Muriwai, and darker colour at Orewa where the set of photos were taken.
The photo I have had since the 1970's is in the darker paint.

Did George Sellars Own or Drive both Cars ?
Or was it repainted - looks a bit scruffy at Muriwai.
One of the Austins was driven by George Smith - photos appear in other publications.

The comment
" It would be interesting to investigate the history involved. "
Indeed, may have to expand the search to some of the " Vintage Car Club " guys around the Country.

Will go and have another look at the " Ralph Watson " link you attached.

More comment will follow.

Appreciate the " inputs " as Ken H would say.

Thanks, Trevor.

Post Script;
An image from Trevor Sheffield article on Ralph Watson- show Ron Roycroft in the Austin Seven - looks the same as the latter photos and the one of the Engine and Cockpit - that photo shown again



The car quote " Supercharged Austin Seven No.1, Ron Roycroft. 1949 Wigram 105 mile, Championship Road Race. "

The photo won't upload - will try later.

Number Plate looks to be " 216 775 " and with Black letters on a light background

Very different from the car in this photo though
Number Plate " 224 ... " White letters on a dark background - the 1941 - 46 Issue Plates.



The other car - similar view.



Interesting as " Number Plates " would have changed in July 1946 - the Muriwai event being earlier in the year on the previous issue plate.

The Plates
1941 - 1946.



1946 - 1951