David Morgan (26)

"Immortal Austin Seven" by David Morgan is obviously a work of love. I asked my wife to gift me with this book out of curiosity and found myself wanting one. The history and photographs made me very much a fan. Especially desirable were the coach-built specials and the race car versions. The most beautiful Seven, and maybe the most beautiful car from between the world wars, is the Jensen brother's
first effort in which they created an open two-seater very racy looking road car. The effort by Herbert Austin to create a car that working people could afford and his success in doing so mirrors the similar efforts by Henry Ford, although Austin never went over to the dark side as Ford did as his success grew. Austin was an enthusiastic backer of motor sports as a selling tool and created large following of special builders for high performance use. these specials and events for them survive to this day. Famous names of recent racing history are highlighted as having started with Sevens. Tony Southgate, Bruce MacLaren, Colin Chapman, and the Coopers- Charles and son John being among the most notable. A wonderful book all-in-all, but only four and a half stars (maybe it is only me, but I started to lose interest towards the last chapter or so.) Overall, a book I read with enthusiasm and anticipation from the opening first paragraphs… (more)