Rare 1930 Austin 7 Wood Boat Tail Race Car Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled a remarkable piece of automotive history with the addition of a 1930 Austin 7 Wood Boat Tail Race Car to its extensive collection. This extraordinary vehicle represents a pivotal era in racing engineering and design, offering visitors an intimate look at early 20th-century motorsport innovation.

The Austin 7, a lightweight racing machine, showcases the engineering ingenuity of its time with its custom wood and aluminum boattail speedster bodywork. Powered by a modest 750cc inline-four engine producing approximately 15 horsepower, the car embodies the philosophy of agility over raw power that characterized early racing design.

Engineered for performance, the vehicle features a compact 75-inch wheelbase with sophisticated suspension technology, including a transverse leaf spring at the front and quarter-elliptic longitudinal units at the rear. These design elements provided remarkable handling capabilities that were revolutionary for its era. Mechanical drum brakes at all four corners and distinctive yellow-painted disc wheels further enhance its period-correct authenticity.

The race car's history is equally compelling, having competed at Bridgehampton Raceway in Sag Harbor, New York, before transitioning into a dedicated training vehicle. Its intricate details, such as the eight-volt electrical system, plexiglass windscreen, and three-spoke steering wheel, provide a tangible connection to automotive engineering of the 1930s.

Located in North Fort Worth, the DFW Car & Toy Museum houses over 200 vehicles, making it a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts, historians, and families. The museum offers free admission and welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday, providing an immersive journey through automotive history.

This Austin 7 represents more than just a vintage vehicle; it embodies a transformative period in automotive design and racing culture. By preserving and displaying such rare machines, the museum allows visitors to understand the technological progression and creative spirit that shaped modern motorsports.