An Article from MASCOT, September - October 2009

Chairman's Chat - from Simon Bishop.
It seems that for as long as I can remember I have been reporting from time to time in the MASCOT on the seemingly never ending Senior As-U-Dryv rebuild.   OK, it has been interrupted by a complete rebuild on an 1933 Austin 7 Box Saloon, running repairs and servicing on the 10/26 and more recently, an engine and gearbox rebuild on the Le Mans.   Oh, and there is my little Austin 7 Special that has received attention from time to time, although largely neglected in the last few years, and currently looking rather sad in the corner of the workshop.
However, I am pleased to report that the As-U-Dryv is now MOT'd and taxed! I hesitate to say finished, as their are still things I am not happy with, but I am pleased with the overall result. (Who wouldn’t be?? - Ed.)
I still know very little about ‘As-U-Dryv Headworks’ (Patented) or ‘As-U-Dryv Sunshine Saloons Ltd’ of 90 Cannon Street London EC, which is their full title on the name plate.  I had always assumed they were in some way exclusive to Singers, as I have heard of no other makers that fitted their system, unlike Tickfords and others you see on anything from Austin Sevens to Bentleys.   However, I recently received information that H J Mulliner, on their 1928 motor show stand, exhibited a 20 hp Rolls-Royce with As-U-Dryv coachwork fitted.  Interestingly, the car itself is still in existence, but not with the As-U-Dryv body or any tell tale signs it ever had one. Some detailed research into As-U-Dryv would no doubt be interesting, but that will have to wait for another time.            Simon.