Anyone know 51 Austin Devon history?

I have spent the last three years turning a 51 Austin Devon into an Austin Gasser to circa 61 NHRA rules, here in England. www.checkereddemon.co.uk.

I spoke with Rob Stuart of the "Austin Works" regarding the cars history and he suggested I post on here.

All I know is that it was built in England in 1951 with Left Hand Drive and then exported to Canada. It was at some point modified with a 76 Chevy SBC from a C20 pickup truck, with TH350 manual pattern shift, hurst slap stick shifter and Volvo rear axle with disc brakes.

The front axle and steering were left stock. The lever arm dampers and springs were also left stock. It had a beige interior using some modern MPV parts. The bonnet is louvered and it had a different radiator and fuel tank.The Trunk lid was also modified to take an American license plate.
It looks like the body has been blasted and dipped at some point. then painted red. The front valance has been cut and there was accident damage to the front bumper. The rear bumper was removed and little "nerf" bars fitted. The Windshield had been stuck in with sealer. Electric Solenoids had also been fitted to the front doors and trunk.

It was imported back to England in 2010, I think from Washington DC.

There is a sticker in the drivers quarterlight saying "Maple Grove Raceway Cruise Night 5".

I know its a long shot but it would be great to know any of its history.

Cheers, Phil

 

I used to have a few of those babies, even an Austin A40 Sports convertible with aluminum body by Jensen.

There is no comparison between the A40 and the VW bug. I was a VW fan but frankly, if there was an Austin dealer and a VW dealer side by side in the early 50s, the VW dealer would have starved to death. The Austin was so much nicer.

This shocked me, as I say, I was a VW fan.

In 1951, 90% of the imported cars sold in Canada and the US were English and I think most of those were Austins.

There was a time when English cars were among the best in the world. Too bad they chose to throw all that away.

 

Maple Grove Raceway is in Pennsylvania, near Mohnton.

http://www.maplegroveraceway.com/blog/

Maybe they can tell you when Cruise Night 5 took place. Someone may even remember the car or have photos of the meet.

All I know is what a quick web search turned up. It may be a lead.

 

I have Emailed Maple Grove Raceway and based on a picture of the sticker I sent them, they think it dates from between 1987 - 1989.

I know its a long shot, but does anyone remember this Austin during that time ?

Cheers, Phil