Austin 7 Ulster Replica
ENGINE 747cc/4-cyl/SV POWER 24.7bhp@2400rpm (approx.) TORQUE N/A MAXIMUM SPEED 65mph 0-60MPH 35sec (approx.) FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-40mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed manual MoT N/A ODOMETER N/A
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With its conventional pedal and control layout, the Ulster is relatively easy to drive, but does have idiosyncrasies; the gear layout is reversed, and it’s also important to watch the fuel pressure gauge and pump the handle on the passenger side dash to keep the petrol flowing. It starts easily and runs well, and the gearbox is easy and feels strong. The brake and accelerator pedals are tiny, and the clutch is very binary – it’s either on or off; set up for fast getaways rather than smooth town driving. The steering is fast and direct, and follows the undulations in the road, but there’s no excess play. The lowered suspension gives a firm, bouncy ride with very little body-roll.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Ulster has a lightweight aluminium body, boat-tailed and open-topped with dips in the side rather than doors, sitting behind a standard bonnet that’s held down with leather straps. The grille has good chrome with some very light patina. Rebuilt in 2007 (it was originally converted in 1991) it is in superb condition with undamaged paint on the body and the tiny black mudguards. It has a pair of aeroscreens, both with good glass and nice metal. The exhaust is exposed on the near side and heat-wrapped in the middle. It has discoloured from heat, but is in good order. The wire wheels look good with tidy black paint and new Longstone tyres.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The seats are moulded into the back of the cockpit, and trimmed in nicely aged leather. There is no carpet – in fact the gearbox, bell housing and electric starter are visible through the floor, which is painted black, as are the sides. The dash is simple flat metal. The big Smiths speedo and rev counter either side of the steering wheel work, as do the stop watch and the oil and fuel pressure gauges on the passenger’s side – next to which are the magneto and ignition switches.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine has been built for performance with Honda pistons and big valves with double valve springs, a highpressure oil pump, high-lift cam, a correct Ulster exhaust manifold and 11/8 SU carb, and it has a high-compression cylinder head. The gearbox is a close ratio ‘box with gears by Don Rawson. It has an original Ulster drop axle and correct raked steering box. Factory Ulsters were supercharged, although this recreation is naturally aspirated.
THE CCW VIEW
This car is immense fun and feels rapid. A genuine Ulster would cost a vast amount, but this replica is a more affordable way into the world of pre-war cars and was built for circuits, hillclimbs and Vintage Sports Car Club events. Worth a closer look.