Lot details Registration No: 546 XUN Chassis No: HBT7L18619 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 3000 models during 1959. Introduced in 1961, the 3000 MKII was visually distinguished by its vertical radiator grille bars and revised front air intake. Sharing the same basic chassis design as the outgoing MKI (independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes) it enjoyed superior performance thanks to the adoption of triple SU carburettors. Available in two-seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) guises, it was fitted with wire wheels and adjustable front seats as standard (while options included overdrive for its four-speed manual gearbox and a detachable hardtop roof).
Finished in blue over cream with black upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly the subject of "an extensive professional restoration" the 2+2 seater rides on wire wheels and sports louvered vents to its front wings. A tempting prospect, this Big Healey is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, current MOT certificate valid until September 2011 and historic class (free) road tax.
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