Lot details
Registration No: 900 LOH
Chassis No: H-BJ8/25933
Mot Expiry: None

Donald Healey's stylish 100 was a sensation at the 1952 London Motor Show. Styled by Gerry Coker and intended as a low-cost high-performance sports car aimed at the US market, it used major componentry from the Austin Atlantic saloon. But in the lithe new Healey, the low-revving and torquey 2660cc four-cylinder engine produced a genuine 100mph-plus car. Austin boss Leonard Lord was captivated and immediately adopted the new sports car, which was sold from 1953 as the Austin-Healey 100.

A four-speed gearbox was the first improvement, followed by the adoption of a 2.6-litre 'six' in 1956, distinguished by its oval grille and a shallow bonnet scoop. But the Healey really grew up in 1959 when its lusty engine was enlarged to 2912cc, creating the famous 3000, its 124bhp allowing for 115mph, arrested by disc front brakes.

The 'Big Healey' continued to evolve all its life: the 3000 MkII (1961) brought triple SU carburettors and the more powerful 150bhp 3000 MkIII (from October 1963) matured with a built-in hood and walnut dash.

The Healeys' cars always garnered a lot of press attention and what makes this 3000 interesting is that it was one of those flying the flag for the company. Originally one of Healey's press demonstrators from 1964, it was fitted from new with most available options.

'900 LOH' did the rounds of the magazines, during which Autocar found 121mph achievable in overdrive top, and later it was given a replacement engine and sold off.

Resident in Surrey by 1974, the 3000 was taken off the road shortly thereafter. Eventually the owner, accepting he wouldn't get around to restoring it, let it go to the current vendor. But even he didn't realise what he had until a visit to the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon: "In the restaurant I looked up - and there was my car! A blow-up of one of its press shots featuring the car with an attractive model posing in the grounds of a stately home".

So here it is: an important Big Healey, a former magazine star, in generally original and unmolested condition, ripe for restoration, though the vendor notes the gearbox appears to be in pieces in the boot. Who's up for the challenge?