Chassis number 156480
Engine number M110828
Ulster engine Number M132391 Crank and rods are under stood to be from 142501
I'm honoured to once again be able to offer this very important racing car for sale. Some of you will already be familiar with the fascinating and interesting history of the \"Willis Special\" but for those who aren't read on...........
Built by the famous London special builder Bill Williams in 1937 on a 1932 Austin 7 long chassis, the long chassis was opted for as his Client Mr R.R. Willis (hence the Name \"Willis Special\") was of a larger build! Bill built the supercharged offset monoposto during 1937 which was powered by the desirable Ulster engine which is included in the sale....... The Willis special is now powered by a Pigsty engineering, developed race engine to protect the important and very rare Ulster engine. Mr R.R. Willis competed in period at Brooklands, Southport sands and importantly at Shelsley Walsh, where research by Stuart Ulph; “it is said that, after the Kay Petre side valve works car was smashed, Austin were unable to rebuild it in time for the Shelsley meeting of 28th May 1938. Austin were therefore short of a car to complete their team entry and asked Williams to bring along the offset monoposto and run as a works entry. Unfortunately, the gear leaver broke off during the first run, with R.R. Willis driving”.
History like this is truly priceless, there are so many contemporary Austin 7 specials in the paddock these days, how unique/refreshing would it be able to own a Austin 7 special, but not just an ordinary special but one which is supercharged............ and with correct pre-war history which is well documented, and has shared garage space with the works cars at Shelsley Walsh back in 1938...................She has been mainly used as a sprint and hill climb car for most of her working life. This was reaffirmed by the current owner with great fun and success in the Bert Hadley challenge and VSCC events during 2011 throughout the UK.
Please note the car is only offered once again for sale, due to the current owner purchasing another important sporting vintage car. He has reluctantly taken the decision to sell the \"Willis\" as he knows that he won't be able to give the car the use/attention she deserves. Comes with VSCC Buff form, MSA logbook, and full history with period photos and letters from many of its previous custodians.
