It may look like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has suffered a violent exercise regime, rampant diet and crash-course wardrobe change - but this magnificent Austin 7 Salamanda Special is more than just a car, it’s a work of art.
Dealer Car of the Week: Austin 7 Salamanda Special
Crafted by renowned creator of ‘interesting objects’ Oliver Way for Amanda Fane de Salis in 2008 and competitively raced ever since, this 1924 Austin 7 has been lavished with over £40,000-worth of modification work to create what can only be described as ‘sheer magnificence’. Based on a 1924 Austin 7 chassis and weighing a miniscule 350kg – that’s half the weight of a Riley Hornet or John Prescott’s lunch – the vehicle may not sport a supercharger like many of its larger rivals, but the lack of weight paired with twin carbs means this Salamanda Special is highly competitive in the right hands.
The bodywork is plywood and fashioned using a lamination technique pioneered during the First World War on military aircraft, with a wide leather strip running down from the filler cap over the rear bulk to prevent fuel spillage staining the woodwork. Inside, the aluminium bracing hints at airship construction, introducing a steam punk feel to the humble Austin.
The headlamps are authentic Marchal items and give the Austin a distinctive screaming look at the front. The wire-braced mudguards give the car something of a vintage biplane look, which only adds to its considerable charisma. The cockpit is snug to say the least, with the steering wheel detachable for when you need to hop and out of the vehicle. As for the windscreen…well, that’s made entirely of mesh.
While the engine size doesn’t sound like much, at a mere 747cc, the high spec gearbox and new performance crank, along with performance pistons, rods, cams and cylinder head, mean very little stands in the way of this little warrior on the racetrack.
This Austin 7 Salamanda Special is not to be missed, not only because it epitomises polished steam punk on wheels, but also because it’s totally unique in every sense - and it’s ready to provide adventure at every turn.