VIDEO: Motors & Me: Richard Manning and his 1954 Austin A30 “Seven”
A 1954 Austin A30 “Seven” which was known as the Baby Austin. On enquiring, the name Seven was kept from its predecessor which was a big success.
Love at first sight. My friend George Glover told me about the car. My brother Michael and myself went to see it, took a photo of it and my wife said to buy it.
A 8hp engine — 803cc. The head has been modified to take unleaded petrol.
Sunday driver, I go on all the local runs — in aid of all local charities where speed is controlled and very well marshalled. I’m a member of the Muskerry Vintage Club and go on local runs including Ballyvourney, Crookstown, Aherla, Johnstown, Inchigeela, Dunmanway, Coachford, Crossbarry, Ballinagree, Courtbrack. I also go on the Ballymacelligott run which is organised by my friend George Glover.
Morris Minor 1000
A white 105e Anglia, Hillman Avenger, Toyota Corolla 30, Toyota Starlet, three more Toyota Corollas and a Rover 620i.
Gold Coast and the Outback in Australia. I’d drive from Sydney to Cairns in my Baby Austin, through the Outback to Alice Springs and through the Australian desert to see the red soil and rock and long flat roads.
My wife comes with me sometimes and my grandchildren and my eldest granddaughter, Lauren, as she loves the car. So I suppose I’d have to bring them along.
I like to travel alone as I spent many years driving trucks and you’re on your own all the time but I’d least like to have any backseat drivers.
Johnny Cash, Abba, Sharon Shannon and Tim O’Riordan & Natural Gas — Ten Years On A Langerload of Songs, and of course Daniel O’Donnell — the wife’s favourite.
