Cornwall Austin Seven Club creating interest in Austin Sevens (1922 - 1939)   

Celebrating
the 90th Anniversary
of the Austin Seven
and the 75th Anniversary
of the Austin Big Seven

Last updated:
04 February 2012

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 Our interest is only with Austin Sevens built between 1922 and 1939,
and with Specials which are based on the Austin Seven chassis and engine.

Club history:
During the summer of 2000 when the idea of forming an Austin Seven Club in Cornwall was first considered we thought that it might attract a membership of perhaps 30.  The inaugural meeting on the 7th August was attended by 24 people; all of whom joined whilst others, who were unable to attend the meeting, joined during the following weeks having already indicated their support.  The membership continued to grow and by August 2003 we had our 100th member.

We set out to offer monthly runs, social events, to organise Club holidays, provide technical advice and keep members informed with a monthly magazine and a website.

The monthly runs were of an ad-hoc format which enabled members to meet for coffee and a chat and decide on a run to a pub for lunch in a small convoy or to go home.  Some runs were more organised with a route sheet as the summer months brought out more members and long convoys had to be avoided. 



Our first Club holiday was to Le Mans in 2001 and since then members have enjoyed holidays in Germany, Eire, Spain, Brittany, the North and South Devon coasts, Dorset's Jurassic coast, East Anglia, the Isle of Wight and North Wales.  Small groups often arrange a short break in Spring and/or Autumn.

We also encourage members to support the local rallies and village shows throughout Cornwall during the summer months.  We arrange a Club display with around 25 'Sevens' and a central theme at the three-day West of England Steam Engine Society Annual Rally in mid-August. 

Members go to the 750 MC National Rally at Beaulieu and attend the annual rallies organised by the Dorset and Bristol Clubs.  A few venture to Perth each year for the Scottish Club rally and enjoy a longer stay for a holiday.  In 2005 many members also attended the Austin Centenary at Cofton Park.  The 'JOGLE' from John O'Groats to Lands End and two way runs, and also the East-West run from Lowestoft to Lands End, have been successfully completed by a few members including two of our prominent lady drivers.

Teach-ins have been well attended during most winters as the mechanically able members have passed on their practical experience to those trying to repair and restore their Sevens.  Practical help on repairs and restoration is always available for the less able members.  Much of this technical advice is passed on through the Club magazine and placed on this website to be shared with anyone who has a problem to solve.

Since the Club was formed over 220 'Seven' owners have, at sometime, been members.  We now have a fairly constant membership of over 140 with some new members each month whilst a few discontinue their interest and ownership of 'Sevens' each year.  Our members own around 170 'Sevens' of which about 130 are running and the rest are being worked on.  Member's cars cover the full range of 'Sevens' built by The Austin Motor Co. Ltd. at Longbridge, Birmingham with a few owning models built by other coachbuilders.

As a member club of A7CA we actively contribute to the wider movement and our representative attends the Committee Meetings.  We are also a member club of the FBHVC and each year organise a run to support 'Drive it Day' inviting all pre-war Austin owners in Cornwall to join us for the day.

We have enjoyed ten successful years and celebrated our 10th Anniversary in July 2010 with 'The Kernow Rumble'. This was the largest ever gathering of 'Sevens' in Cornwall when club members and friends from the Bristol, Dorset and Scottish Austin Seven Clubs gathered with 58 'Sevens' to enjoy a week of local runs and social events.

If we can continue in the coming years to sustain the current level of interest, and support, we shall feel vindicated that our original wish to establish an Austin Seven Club in Cornwall has been well worth the effort.

CA7C aims:
To further Austin Seven enthusiasts' enjoyment in running and maintaining their cars.

To provide a focal point, in Cornwall, for Austin Seven ownership.

To provide assistance, support, encouragement and opportunities to enable members to use their Austin Sevens to the full.

To encourage and assist those who have recently joined the ranks of Austin Seven owners and those who hope to do so in the future. 

CA7C offers:
monthly runs; club holidays; social events; monthly magazine; technical advice; help on sources of spares, tools and materials.

Meeting Place:
Due to the time taken to travel the length and breadth of Cornwall we do not have a regular monthly meeting place.

Membership:
is open to all Austin Seven enthusiasts in Cornwall, or with connections to the County, defined as anyone owning, or aspiring to own, or with serious interest in, any type of Austin Seven.  Membership includes spouse or partner and children up to age 16.

We welcome lady owner/drivers and offer them as much technical support as they need.

Membership application forms are only available from the Membership Secretary.

Motor Sport Events:
Our members do not participate in any motor sport events, ie Trials, Hill Climbs or Circuit Racing, with their Austin Sevens.

Enquiries from Overseas:
Our primary aim is to assist owners within the county of Cornwall, UK, and therefore, with the greatest respect, we do not have overseas members as we are not able to provide all the benefits that our local members can enjoy. 

However, we do offer support and assistance to Austin Seven owners throughout the world.  Please refer to our Technical Articles, Quick Tips and Guide to Parts and Services, and always feel free to contact us, via the webmaster, with any questions arising from these articles or your work on your Austin Seven.

Copyright © 2009 Cornwall Austin Seven Club, M J Watts & D A Castle to whom any questions or comments about this website should be addressed.