Vintage Thing No.69 - Simplicity
Amid the "scurrying kindergarten" of Austin 7 specials at the VSCC Wiscombe Park hillclimb this year was Simplicity , probably the most famous baby Austin special of all time. Simplicity's reputation was established long ago by introducing many first time drivers to motorsport and these feats of derring-do, mishap and success were chronicled by its creator Jack French, who trail blazed the cause of affordable motor racing in austere post war Britain. I only know of Simplicity 's legendary status thanks to Alan Staniforth's excellent Race and Rally Car Source Book , in which he gives examples of DIY racers. There are also details of some cars produced in factories but only by way of inspiration to the keen DIYer. There are several Austin 7 specials in this book that still fascinate me but Simplicity is the one that inspired and catalysed so much and so many that came later. In his own words, Jack French wanted to "demonstrate that any effective and cheap fo...