Nothing is obvious in the Specials scene (UPDATE: a Heron indeed!)

• 
• 

It’s the surprise of the unexpected that makes the classic car scene the Alladin’s cave of discoveries that it is. Well - to us, who prefer to spend not too much time in the world of the all too common classic. Our favourite territory? The Specials scene without doubt, with still so much unidentified objects around. Take this little sportster for example, photographed at Beaulieu last weekend. What is it? A Special, that’s for sure, with its flimsy fibreglass body and pre-war mechanicals underneath. But which one? With no help at hand we had to do with the pictures alone.

Let's score out what it's not first. It’s not an Ashley, nor a Falcon or a Speedex. It does look like a car named Gnat that we do know of, but isn’t that either. The rear bodywork looks like it could have been moulded from a MG Midget or A-H Sprite, although these weren’t introduced any earlier than 1961, while this car seems to be slightly older. Doesn’t help much either. We do know it uses the registration of a 1938 Austin Seven, but the 1172cc engine quoted with it, suggests that the Seven chassis was mated to a Ford engine at some point. The Austin Seven register only quotes it as a ‘Special’, which again doesn’t help us any further. But hang on, it may have had a roof at one stage - like this Heron?

(Text Jeroen Booij,  photos PWC) 
   

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.