A meticulously preserved piece of automotive racing history has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. The 1930 Austin 7 Wood Boat Tail Race Car, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, represents a remarkable example of early 20th-century racing innovation and design.
This exceptional vehicle, which previously competed at Bridgehampton Raceway in Sag Harbor, New York, showcases the engineering prowess of early motorsports. Powered by a compact 750cc inline-four engine producing approximately 15 horsepower, the Austin 7 exemplifies the era's focus on lightweight, agile racing machines.
The car's custom bodywork, crafted from wood and aluminum in a distinctive boattail speedster configuration, highlights the aesthetic and functional design principles of 1930s racing vehicles. Its 75-inch wheelbase, combined with innovative suspension featuring transverse and quarter-elliptic leaf springs, demonstrates the advanced mechanical engineering of its time.
Technical details further underscore the vehicle's historical significance. An eight-volt electrical system, mechanical drum brakes, yellow-painted disc wheels, and a plexiglass windscreen contribute to its period-authentic character. The interior, featuring a black-upholstered bench seat and a three-spoke steering wheel, offers a glimpse into the spartan yet purposeful design of early racing automobiles.
The museum's display of this rare automobile provides automotive enthusiasts, historians, and casual visitors an opportunity to explore a significant chapter in motorsport development. As part of a collection containing over 200 vehicles, the Austin 7 contributes to a broader narrative of automotive technological evolution.
Located in North Fort Worth, the museum offers free admission and a dog-friendly environment, making it an accessible destination for those interested in automotive history. By preserving and exhibiting such remarkable vehicles, the DFW Car & Toy Museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and sharing the rich heritage of automotive engineering and design.
