Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 444 Threads: 13
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Location: Dunchurch, Warwickshire
I am very sorry to have to report that Norman Purves died last night. He had been in a hospice and this was expected, but it's very sad news. Many people will have met him at the Centenary rally at Moreton-in-Marsh, and seen 3 of his cars which were on display there together with David Mawby's collection. He specialised in very early cars and owned the earliest known production car, Chassis No. 71 (the green car), and was still enthusiastically building other early cars almost to the end.
Joined: Aug 2022 Posts: 10 Threads: 2
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Location: Marlborough Wiltshire
Car type: Austin 7 Gruzellier Sports 1924
Very sad news and such a loss to the Austin Seven movement. I knew Norman for almost 50 years and he was a dear friend. Always kind and generous with his extensive knowledge and advice.
He always said he'd never want to let any of his cars go but his illness made him realise this was no longer possible. Over the past month or so I've been helping him find new homes, including loans to museums. Sadly, Gaydon and Beaulieu were not interested as they already have early 7s on display.
A couple of his cars have only very recently been sold. Hopefully his others will find fortunate new owners once his estate has been settled.
