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1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:44 pm
by AustinSe7en
Stripping down the handbrake lever on my ‘61 Austin Seven to refurbish it.
Is this handbrake grip original do you think?
It’s also got a chrome button if that has any relevance?
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:51 pm
by Daz1968
Not 100% sure on a 1961, but my 1962 has no grip on handbrake and a white plastic button, it’s a deluxe.
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:54 pm
by AustinSe7en
Daz1968 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:51 pm
Not 100% sure on a 1961, but my 1962 has no grip on handbrake and a white plastic button, it’s a deluxe.
Hmmm interesting, never seen one with a chrome button before and it’s heavy. Solid metal.
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:59 pm
by Southwest
59 cars have a chrome hand brake button.
My june 1960 has chrome button but no hand grip
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:12 pm
by AndyPen
Various covers / grips were on cars using the same handbrake, we took one of a scrapped Vanden Plas - posh eh?

Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:18 pm
by Polarsilver
My 1961 Cooper does not have the Handgrip.
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:29 pm
by hugbilly
Pretty sure my '61 Seven had a chrome button but it definitely didn't have a handgrip . . .
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:16 am
by Old English White
I don't think any Mk1s had the handbrake grip as standard. They are just an aftermarket accessory, Early cars DID have the chromed metal button though - not exactly sure when that changed to the plastic type.
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 3:54 pm
by mk1
No MK1 ever had any sort of hand grip or cover. Anything fitted is certainly after market & probably MUCH later too.
Re: 1961 Handbrake
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 4:30 pm
by AustinSe7en
Thanks for the info everyone.
Grip will stay off, freshly chromed button will go back on!!