AUCTION START ON HOLD
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*** UPDATE: This car has been withdrawn as the seller does not wish to sell the car at this time ***
This car is one of the best known of the “Big Healeys” by having a straight six that fits in the engine bay. This car is packed with history – and engine – from rallying success in the ‘60s to this particular example that has had 15 years restoration and maintenance work undertaken by Rawles Motorsports, who added their ‘Ultimate Road’ specifications to it.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask Gordon (the owner) then please click here to send him a message – Gordon will get back to you asap.
We can help arrange transportation for our sales, delivering anywhere in the UK or mainland Europe – please see happy customers in our reviews that we’ve helped.
To learn more about this car then please view all images and videos in this listing, or please call 01926 426 635 to speak to us directly about the car.
Please read the How it Works page for more information and our Terms and Conditions of sale.
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7 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit the vehicles – instead they trust our service, due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings and we then help arrange transportation too, delivering anywhere in the UK or mainland Europe – please see happy customers in our reviews that we’ve helped.
Recent Buyer Review – Simon Welsh on 1st May “Found my ideal 90’s sports car on Trade Classics. Living in Bournemouth and the car being in the Midlands I relied heavily on the advert, photos and videos.
On picking the car up I wasn’t disappointed. Everything was as it had been described. So I got straight into it and drove home. What a drive put a smile on my face.
Thanks very much Trade Classics and I’m now looking out for my next classic to add to the collection.”.
Click here to see this and all reviews on Google.
Gordon is extremely passionate about his cars and has had too many in his life. We are also finding his Ferrari 456M a new home which shows how much of a varied taste the man has. He admits himself in the ‘Meet the Owner’ video that owning nice cars is certainly a weakness of his.
After owning the car for over two years, where he and his wife have taken long trips through the UK and attended car meets, they are now looking to sell the car. Gordon says ”there’s two of us in the household” and it doesn’t take a genius to know what that means.
Gordon scratched an itch off when he bought this and we are sure a new and genuine owner is thinking exactly the same thing.
With the Rawles ‘Ultimate Road’ engine upgrade, some enhancements also came around the exterior of the car. You are treated with bumper deletions and a side exhaust that gives a more sporty look over its counterparts. Please review our ‘Exterior Review’ video and photos to see all angles of the car.
Wheels & Tyres
The car is fitted with good condition Sprint Classic tyres fitted by Rawles. These are wrapped around MWS painted wired wheels that look great on the classic Big Healey.
Bodywork
As mentioned above, the car’s overall body has been enhanced by removing some of the chromework through bumper deletion. The original bumpers are available with the sale. The underside of the car has been Waxoyled. The overall condition of the bodywork is good – you’ll notice some very small areas of bubbling on the rear wings near the bottom by the B posts. Please review all images and videos to see the full condition including the underside of the car.
Paint
Wow this car is a headturner – it’s finished in Colorado Red with an offset white. Overall the paint is in good condition too for the cars mileage after restoration. There is some minor bubbling of paint on the bonnet that can be seen in the media file – again please review all the images / videos to assess the condition of the paint for yourself. This is a drivers’ car and as such it’s ready to be used and enjoyed without worry.
Glass and Trim
Both are in very good condition across the car.
We investigated the whole interior in our usual ‘Interior Review’ video. The Healey has been reupholstered in fine grade black leather with red piping that looks stunning. This car has been restored to a tee. The interior is very minimalistic, allowing you to concentrate on what is most important… driving!
Seats and Carpets
Both look to be presented in excellent condition with the leather seats complimenting the dashboard.
Dashboard
The dashboard is clean and in good condition.
Steering Wheel / Gear Stick
The steering wheel is a Motolita whilst there is a gear stick that also functions with a works type overdrive switch.
As mentioned, Rawles Motorsport undertook an engine rebuild on the car. In the ‘On the Road’ video the engine sounds beautiful, breathing better than the original through Rawles own inlet manifold and a Rawles side exhaust Ignition is through a Mallory distributor. The overall engine bay looks clean and in excellent condition, ready for any passionate driver to start enjoying the car.
Engine and Gearbox
The car started first go from cold (see the start of the ‘On the Road’ video) and soon settled into a good tick over showing the correct oil pressure. We test the exhaust to see if there is any blue smoke – we didn’t see any during cold start or hot run. The gearbox is fitted with overdrive and has also been rebuilt – giving the new owner that added confidence in reliability.
Suspension and Brakes
As with any car from the ‘60s, you get those usual noises from the bumpy roads, but that is to be expected. Both the suspension and brakes were overhauled during restoration and have been reliable to Gordon under his ownership.
The Drive
The car looks really fun to drive and is in a condition to drive away on purchase. A stiff ride that makes you feel connected to the roads.
Electrics and Other
There are hardly any electric on the car, however the car is fitted with an overdrive button that fully functions as well as Gordon assuring us all gauges work after our visit.
The car has only had three previous keepers who have entrusted the car Rawles Motorsports since 2009, who are renowned specialists in Austin Healeys.
The previous owner covered a healthy mileage in the car, amassing 2,000 miles per year (as can be seen in the MOT history), whilst revisiting Rawles for all repairs, fettling and general servicing.
The Austin Healey also comes with a letter of authenticity and complete restoration documentation. The mileage has probably gone round the clock once, therefore adding one extra digit to the miles.
Current indicated mileage is 135,140 miles on 03/03/2020.
MOT & Service History
31.08.2017 – 134,084 (MOT)
14.11.2016 – 133,797 (MOT)
17.11.2015 – 132,907 (MOT)
11.12.2012 – 128,556 (MOT)
13.12.2011 – 123,617 (MOT)
22.12.2010 – 122,478 (MOT)
17.12.2010 – 118,134 (MOT)
27.01.2009 – 115,882 (MOT)
09.05.2008 – 115,709 (MOT)
10.08.2001 – 73,873 (MOT)
30.09.1998 – 73,459 (MOT)
HPi Check Results
– HPi clear – Available on request.
This is a true drivers’ car. It’s clear to see that the previous owners have enjoyed the car profoundly whilst keeping the car in very good condition.
Gordon will be sad to see this car go but is looking forward to getting a new car that both himself, and his wife can enjoy more frequently. Who knows, he may find that dream car through us here at Trade Classics.
ADAM PURRIER
This auction listing was written by Adam from information gained from Gordon (owner and seller of the vehicle) and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
If you have any specific questions about the vehicle then please use the comments section below. Gordon will receive a notification and will reply as soon as he can.
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You describe the history as “vert good”. But I note the first 30+ years are missing. If that history is available, then how do I get to see it? If it is not available, then you perhaps you ought to qualify your “very good” claim.
You are quite correct in your observation. The earliest records with the car are from 1994/5 for Tony Brookes at Dormans Garage in Surrey at around 10,000 indicated miles.
When the car reached Rawles for Tony Brookes and then Dave Hansford at 14,467 indicated miles it required and received a major chassis and bodywork restoration followed by major mechanical overhaul. As you can see, Rawles continued to do everything required until I acquired the car on 04/09/2017.