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

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a remarkable piece of automotive history to its expansive collection: a 1930 Austin 7 Wood Boat Tail Race Car that represents a significant era in motorsport engineering. This vintage racing machine, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, offers visitors an intimate look at early 20th-century automotive design and racing technology.

The Austin 7, powered by a compact 750cc inline-four engine generating approximately 15 horsepower, exemplifies the lightweight racing philosophy of its time. Its custom wood and aluminum boattail speedster bodywork not only provides aesthetic appeal but also demonstrates the innovative design principles of 1930s racing vehicles.

Featuring a 75-inch wheelbase and sophisticated suspension with transverse and quarter-elliptic leaf springs, the race car was engineered for exceptional handling. Mechanical drum brakes at all four corners and distinctive yellow-painted disc wheels further highlight the vehicle's period-correct engineering and style.

The car's racing heritage includes competitions at Bridgehampton Raceway in Sag Harbor, New York, and subsequent years of service as a dedicated training race car. Its interior details, including an eight-volt electrical system, plexiglass windscreen, and a three-spoke steering wheel, offer automotive historians and enthusiasts a tangible connection to early motorsport culture.

Located in North Fort Worth, the DFW Car & Toy Museum now houses over 200 vehicles, providing visitors with an immersive automotive experience. The museum's free admission and dog-friendly policy make it an accessible destination for families and car enthusiasts alike, bridging generations through a shared appreciation of automotive history.