Austin Sheerline Project

[john harris]

Hi,
eight years later, what progress on the Austin Sheerline? The pics of the motor look very familiar: my Jensen has the same Austin DS5, though with three SUs instead of the single downdraft Zenith(?) on yours. Bill Spohn mentioned an advertised 130 hp for the Jensen. Less for mine because has only 6.8:1 compression: Britain still had the legacy of wartime gas in 1960, I think. Likely 95 hp for the Sheerline.

If you hear of a DS7 motor kicking around in Louisiana, let me know.

JohnH

 

[vping]

Looks like a really cool and unique project. I've never heard of this particular model and looking forward to doing some research on it.

I've always wanted an older Austin especially a "Baby" Austin 7. Bout the only thing I have room for

 

[Ken Hebert]

I’m still driving mine, drove it so much I had to replace worn out front suspension parts! It’s also been down the dragstrip many times over the years. Got hit and moved 20 feet in my driveway! How is that possible with a 4600 car you ask? It took an E350 Ford van at 15-20 mph!

 

[Ken Hebert]

When you click on the pictures above they turn to correct position. Here was my next build. It’s kind of British. 2011 Cooper Clubman. 100 % stock body, 100% chrome moly round tube fabricated chassis. 565cid (9.2L) Chevy. 950hp at the flywheel. 2650 lbs with driver. Over 900 passes on it. Power windows and rear doors. Always runs mid 8 second 1/4 miles. (Mid 5’s 1/8 mile) Many time winner. Fastest Cooper in the world! Has been 7.70 172 mph with nitrous. Complete build from wrecked shell to race track in 3 months!

 

[Chester Atkinson]

Ken, I love your Austin Sheerline! I have some too. I refinished a 1951 Sheerline and in hunting for parts, I bought another rolling frame and body. I had needed the chrome strips off the doors for the 51. I then decided to to modify the parts car with late model drive line and features along with changing it to a 2/door from a four door. Reconstructed front doors, removed rotten wood, replaced with steel tubing and added four inches to door length. Modified rear door shell and affixed as quarter panel. Quite a project but fun and labor of love for me. Found yet another Sheerline shell without engine, which brings me to the question- do you need some rear body parts for your damaged Sheerline or the light assemblies? Message me somehow if I can help. I am also on FB.

 

[JPSmit]

Great pics Chester! and that is a really imaginative solution for the 4/2 door conversion. well done!

what are you using as an engine?

 

[Ian Mckenzie]

Ken, I love your Austin Sheerline! I have some too. I refinished a 1951 Sheerline and in hunting for parts, I bought another rolling frame and body. I had needed the chrome strips off the doors for the 51. I then decided to to modify the parts car with late model drive line and features along with changing it to a 2/door from a four door. Reconstructed front doors, removed rotten wood, replaced with steel tubing and added four inches to door length. Modified rear door shell and affixed as quarter panel. Quite a project but fun and labor of love for me. Found yet another Sheerline shell without engine, which brings me to the question- do you need some rear body parts for your damaged Sheerline or the light assemblies? Message me somehow if I can help. I am also on FB.

You did a job well done on modifying this car. It looks like a brand new classic car.

 

[Chester Atkinson]

Great pics Chester! and that is a really imaginative solution for the 4/2 door conversion. well done!

what are you using as an engine?

I am using a Ford 3.8 V6 supercharged engine and 4speed automatic transmission from a T-bird.

 

[JPSmit]

I am using a Ford 3.8 V6 supercharged engine and 4speed automatic transmission from a T-bird.

nice, how did it fit? I always imagine those beasties being set up for a straight 6 engine

Ooops <edit> just saw the picture - I think the answer is, it fits tightly

 

[billspohn]

Yes, I would have thought that a Jag straight 6 would look pretty spiffy in there.