Hamblin was a small manufacturer of sports car bodies active between circa 1950 and 1960 in England, and offered a "torpedo" conversion kit for the Austin Steven, Ford Pop or Fiat Topolino 500, which converted cars from the 1930s and 1940s into sports cars for 750cc- and 1100cc-class competitions.

This Hamblin "Cadet" model was assembled on an Austin base in 1955 according to the English document. From 1994 to 2001 it belonged to "Performance Motors" of London, specialised in exotic and sports cars.

The bodywork is sound and free of rust. It has recently been polished and is shiny. The paintwork is a number of years old, and signs of use-related wear are present (see photos).

"Cambridge" processed mechanics with practically all sports parts from the period, allowing for augmentation by at least 10 hp with external water pump, double SU carburettors, 4-in-1 exhaust, telescopic suspension, revolution counter, single high beam, hydraulic brakes, aluminium header and revolution counter. In terms of mechanics, the car starts immediately and has the rare 4-speed gearbox. It can be driven in any case. Given its stay in a collection, general maintenance is advised. Its technical inspection is expired.

Brakes completely overhauled with new cylinders, new brake pump,
flexible aeronautic braided hoses (see photos).

Interior in good condition with sturdy floors.

Solid underbody with original V chassis and tubular superstructure in excellent condition.

A compression test gave excellent results for the engine's health.

A complete electrical check with video has been done and the system is working.

A memo from the Italian Motor Vehicle Agency is also provided which invites you to keep the original historic English registration and states that these cars can be driven for sporting and classic car events with their original foreign number plate (see photo).

Some videos of the car, engine and road driving are available. A high-resolution photo gallery is also available and is part of this description, on the seller’s website. Please ask Catawiki. Bidders are also welcome to view and test the vehicle, which is located in Quarrata 51039 (PT), Italy. Please send a message to Catawiki to arrange an appointment on site; you can also book a video call from your smartphone.

We can arrange transfer of ownership or exports documents remotely. Affordable shipping to Italy, Europe and rest of the world. You can also conveniently pick up the car on site, as it can stay 15 days at our storage facility free of charge.

We recommend viewing the vehicle before the end of the auction, even via a video call on your smartphone (WhatsApp, FaceTime). Please send a message to Catawiki for an appointment. The seller reserves the right to claim compensation if the buyer does not pay for the purchase, which shall automatically be deemed to have occurred with the winning bid and obliges the buyer to make the payment, as per the sales contract available on the seller’s website.

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