Description
FSK 550 comes to us from its most recent Yorkshire-Based owner who purchased the car in 1993. Throughout his ownership, the Healey had been subject to a comprehensive engine rebuild and body restoration. Since the major program of work, the Healey 3000 has covered just 10, 000 miles and has been used regularly for long-distance tours and rallies. Accompanying the car is a tremendous history file with MOTs and invoices dating back to when it arrived in the UK.
In the first decade of the recent long-term ownership, FSK 550 participated in a great number of rallies and tours. Firstly, LeJog in 1994 and thereafter Amman and District Novices Rally where it achieved 4th in class, Ilkley Jubilee where it placed as First Novice, Borders Rally, Circuit of Wales, Carrerra Pancaledonia, Targa Rusticana, Caledonian 500, Classic Illuminations and Classic Yorkshire. Navigating in the Healey most of the time was Paul Grogan, the owner of the renowned Healey specialists, the North Healey Centre, who ensured the Healey completed the events irrespective of any technical hiccups on the roadside.
Mr. Grogan’s company, The Northern Healey Centre, maintained the car throughout its time of rallying, and ultimately carried out an extremely thorough restoration. In 2001 the mileage was reset when the engine was removed, stripped and comprehensively rebuilt with new Forged Pistons and the car has covered just 10, 000 miles since. By 2006, the rallies had taken their toll leaving the body in need of restoration. The Northern Healey Centre stripped the car completely and rebuilt the body to a first-class standard the only issue then was the car was simply too good to ruin on a rally. Since then, the 3000 was used for hill climbing events at Harewood, before retiring from events a few years later when it has been used for weekends away and visiting friends on the South Coast. At this point, the weather equipment was renewed with a new black mohair Tonneau and Hood, perfect for summertime motoring when the hard top was removed.
Twenty years on since the restoration, uniquely presented in White over Black, the BJ8 presents well, though the strongest feature is the immense driving experience offered. Testament to the meticulous maintenance over the 33-year ownership, the Austin Healey is top quality on the road, the engine and gearbox feel superbly fit and correct, and under braking and cornering it feels very well set up. For the discerned buyer looking for a first-class reliable Healey for touring or long distance, FSK 550 ticks all the boxes.
