New member RP questions

[Martin Prior]

Hello everyone! 

I best introduce myself and explain what kind of nut case I am so this post makes sense. 

My name is Delia Chapman I'm 24 (nearly 25) and a antiques collector who has worked in the antiques field from the age of 16 till recently.  I am based in Belfast Northern Ireland. 

I collect antique bicycles. Restore valve radios, record players and black and white tvs (mostly 405 line standerd) my main TV is a 405 line ekco I've just never liked colour TV. 

I also collect antique Teddy bears, antique light bulbs (any pre 1970 electrical goods) , clocks, phonographs and gramophones, furniture, live steam toys especially O gauge live steam locomotives, vintage and antique clothing etc. 


I'm currently sadly not a 7 owner but hope to rectify this in a year or two. My dream car from I was a very small child was a Austin 7. Probably the fault of having grown up with Brum on TV. 

My current "daily driver" is a 1950 98cc two stroke New Hudson autocycle (seen in my user image) with a top speed of 30mph. So I'm rather used to a slower vehicle. 

I have no intention to change to a modern vehicle as I have a deep dislike for them.  I am rather machanicaly minded and have always loved maintaining my own equipment. 

As can be seen from my user name my favourite 7 is the wonderful RP Box saloon. I like Rubys as well but the styling is a little modern for me 

My intention is to use one as a daily Driver and my first car and if all goes well my only car. 

My question is to those who already daily there's have you had trouble finding insurance companies to cover you? 

Have you found the car to be reasonably reliable? ( I don't mind doing repair work just curious) 

Do you use lead replacement mix in your petrol? 

How has running costs been?

Plus any advice to someone new to 7s.

Thanks for your time and help

I look forward to talking with you all and eventually joining the fraternity of owners. 

Regards Delia

Hi Delia.

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Austin Sevens!

I bought my RP in 1973, when I was 15, and restored in in time to take my driving test in it two years later.  Apart from a time off for a couple of re-restorations, it's been my daily driver for over 40 years.  I've lost track of its mileage, but it certainly has over a quarter of a million miles on its original engine.

It was trailered home once in 1977, when a learner driver manage to strip some teeth in the diff, and a year later a steering arm failed, fortunately on my parents' drive.  I've made minor roadside repairs and/or limped home on a handful of occasions. 

I'm a great believer in two things:  The more you use it the better it gets and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".  I keep the car oiled, watered and periodically greased and that's about it.  I adjust the brakes every few hundred miles, but that's about it.  I don't use a fuel additive. 

My Daughter Charlotte (now 28) has driven a PD two-seater regularly since she was 17 and I've only had to rescue her twice.

Insurance shouldn't be a problem.  RH Insurance has a very good scheme for members of A7CA member clubs.  Joining an A7 club has lots of benefits, not least of which can be access to cars for sale before they go onto the wider market.

Good luck with finding a car!

..............same car, 44 years apart....................