Soon after the Austin Seven's introduction, much modified, supercharged versions were racing with some success, prompting the factory to develop a somewhat less radical, though still supercharged, competition car for general sale.

The first of these special Sevens was completed towards the end of 1927 and the following year one of them won the Australian 100-Mile Grand Prix.

Only a tiny handful of the resulting 'production' model - the Super Sports - was completed but the exercise would give rise to one of the most delightful small sports cars of the 1930s - the Seven Ulster - 168 of which were built between 1930 and 1932.

Like the Super Sports, the Ulster used a tuned and strengthened engine equipped with gear-driven Cozette 'blower' (in which case it also came with magneto ignition and pumped cooling) but unlike its predecessor could also be ordered in cheaper, normally aspirated form.

The chassis was 3" lower than standard and featured improved front suspension while the door-le...