Bribie Island-based driver Justin McCarthy has had a long love affair with Austin Seven cars – he bought his first one 69-years ago back when he was just 16 and he’s been driving them ever since.
While he’s still got his first car, it isn’t the one he raced at the Historic Leyburn Sprints and that will line up for the Noosa Hill Climb, 14-16 November.- that is a hundred-year-old 1925 Austin Seven Sports Special, 749cc.
The car was one of the oldest in the Leyburn field for this year’s event 22-24 August and at 85, McCarthy is nearly always the oldest driver to take part in any event he enters – and one of the most popular – earning a standing ovation when he hits the grid at both Leyburn and Noosa.
But surprisingly, despite his age and long-love of the Austin Seven, McCarthy isn’t the most experienced driver in the pack.
The 85-year-old only took up racing 10 years ago at the age of 75 and has been racing at Leyburn and Noosa Hillclimb ever since.
“I happened to purchase an Austin Seven – I’ve had Austin Sevens since I was 16 – I’ve had a major love affair with Austin Sevens.
“This vehicle was built to do some Gymkhana work and the owner decided to sell it and once I found out how good it was I thought – oh well I’ve always wanted to go motor racing.
“Leyburn was my first attempt and I’ve been going their ten years now.
“I’ve been the oldest car there most years – this year the car’s a hundred years old and the drivers’ 85 – I’ve found a car older than me.
“My original Austin Seven I bought for 50 pound when I was 16 and I’ve still got.”
So, what is it about the Austin Sevens for McCarthy?
“They’re cheap to run,” he said.
“It gets 50 miles to the gallon and I’m the only car on the Leyburn grid that’s got a crank handle.
“Dick Johnson had to show his grand children one year at Leyburn. He got me to stop on the run up to the starting line and he said I want to show my grand children how we used to start cars. Then his grand daughter hopped in the car and said I want to go with Justin for a lap.”
Despite starting his racing career later in life McCarthy admits it’s something he enjoys but most of all he loves showing people his beloved Austin Sevens.
“I’ve also got a tourer and I take it in processions at Anzac Day and I visit nursing homes to revive memories for the old people,” he said.
“It’s a good little car, I tow it behind a motorhome. Everyone can have a Jimny or a Suzuki behind their motorhomes but I’ve got an Austin Seven.”
There is something special about the Austins.
“Yeah, their very conducive to enjoyment,” McCarthy explained.
“And I love going out to Leyburn too. The comradery with the drivers, the officials – you can’t get any better. They’re just a wonderful lot of people. I’m looking forward to it – I get a standing ovation when I hit the grid. And as I said I’m 85 now, I don’t know how much longer I can go but I’m having fun while I’m here.”
And while the Leyburn course can be a bit challenging the only time he has faltered on the track came in the last run last year.
“I came off on the bottom corner near the school- I got back on again before I hit the hay bales,” he explained.
“I went back down to the corner, I’ve been doing that for years and I couldn’t understand how I managed to get off the bitumen. I went down on the inside of the track to have a look at it after I parked in the pits and there was a chap there with a camera and a screen as big as a mobile phone. Every half a second he was taking photos of cars going around that bend and I said to him you didn’t happen to get the Austin Seven did you? Yeah, I got you Justin, he said. He rewound it and I realised I didn’t go out far enough to take the corner – I cut it too fine. But anyway, I didn’t do any damage and he came by the pits later in the day and he said Justin I’m a retired photographer and because you give people so much enjoyment, I’m going to do something special for you. In the mail came a collage as big as a TV set for my bar-room wall. And then he followed me up to Nambour – which is my next run – I do the Noosa Hillclimb in November and they give me a standing ovation when I get on the grid.
“It’s good to have fun and make fun and I’m keeping motoring history alive.”
For years McCarthy’s tiny car has been the oldest at Leyburn, but this year there’s another 1925 car – David Chisholm’s Crossley Roadster – while David’s brother Brian is competing in a 1924 Amilcar.
Meanwhile in recognition of Justin’s participation representing the spirit of the Historic Leyburn Sprints, organisers presented him with a special cake during the competitors welcome BBQ on the Friday afternoon. The cake will had a picture on top of him racing the Austin.
Justin loves the entertaining the crowds and now that Leyburn is over he is setting himself for the Noosa Hill Climb.
Now entering its 28th year of competition, the Noosa Hill Climb is one of the most exciting Hill Climbs in Australia.
Held on 1.5 Km’s of cambered bitumen with a blend of 14 tight and moderately sweeping corners through the National Park.
The weekend is loaded with lots of thrills and spills and is sure to keep you entertained. There are many spectator areas, some with grandstand seating for you to catch the action.
Entries are about to open for the Summer version of the event with the Winter event held in June.
For more information head to www.noosahillclimb.com.au/#home.
Austen Sevens Racing History in Australia
An Austin Seven won the first Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Victoria on 31 March 1928.
Distance 16 laps, 105 miles (168.95 km)
Driver: Captain Arthur Waite
Duration: 1 hr 46:40
Average speed for entire event: 56.25 mph (90.50 km/h)
