Lot details Registration No: T.B.A. Chassis No: HBJ8L34694 Mot Expiry: Sept 2011
Donald Healey's eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show. It was based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals and sported a sleek body designed by Gerry Coker and built by Tickford. It was dubbed the 'Healey Hundred' (a moniker chosen to reflect the car's ability to reach 100mph), and, subject to a suitably encouraging response, Healey planned to build production versions in-house at his factory in Warwick. As things transpired, not only did the Ice Blue prototype more than impress the public, but also so excited Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge. The newcomer was renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The rest, as they say, is history. The 'Big' Healey enjoyed steady development with the four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six of 1956, which was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The final iteration was the 3000 MKIII 2+2, which was launched in October 1963 and remained in production until the end of 1967. The most powerful and luxurious of all the derivatives, it had lively performance courtesy of its 150bhp straight-six engine and featured such niceties as wind up windows and a walnut-veneer facia. Works Healeys scored many victories in international racing and rallying and replicas of these cars are a popular choice for today's historic events.
The 1966 MKIII model offered has Metallic Blue coachwork and blue interior. It has been converted from left to right-hand drive and undergone extensive restoration by acknowledged marque specialist Big Healey Restorations of Eakring, Nottinghamshire. Having covered some 800 miles since work was completed, the vendor now describes the car's coachwork, paintwork, engine, transmission and interior trim as "excellent". The Healey is taxed until the end of March and MOT'd into September 2011. The current registration number is not included in the sale.
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