Highlights
- A very rare car: one of 76 made
- Extensively restored
- 2.4-litre Riley engine
The Appeal
You’ve probably never seen a Healey Abbott before. We are told that only 76 of these cars were made and that 25 survive.
So here we have a chance to join an exclusive club of the privileged few owners who get to look at these beautiful cars every time they open the garage door.
So here we have a chance to join an exclusive club of the privileged few owners who get to look at these beautiful cars every time they open the garage door.
This Healey is fitted with a 2.4-litre twin cam Riley engine and coachwork by Abbott of Farnham, giving it sporting performance to match its flamboyant lines. It has benefitted from extensive restoration work in the past and still looks to be in very drivable condition.
We can think of no better way to make an entrance to any event than in this Healey, with the roof down and the Riley engine revving happily.
The History and Paperwork
- Restored 2009-12
- Fully documented by Kingham Restorations
- MoT to August 2023
- Original buff logbook
- Only two former keepers
- Believed to be one of 76 built, with 25 remaining on the road
The Interior
- Retrimmed as part of restoration
- Marbled steering wheel
Upon swinging open the rear-hinged doors, you are met by the sight of gently worn leather, the kind of hide that emits the warm glow of use while still remaining smart and presentable.
The owner notes that the seats could benefit from being resprung. The carpets and door cards (replaced in 2012) show signs of use but not damage and beyond the marbled steering wheel, the veneered dashboard remains nicely polished, having been refurbished in 2012.
The owner notes that the seats could benefit from being resprung. The carpets and door cards (replaced in 2012) show signs of use but not damage and beyond the marbled steering wheel, the veneered dashboard remains nicely polished, having been refurbished in 2012.
The only reported issues are that the fuel gauge isn’t perfectly accurate and the speedometer cable is currently detached. There are some minor signs of use to the hood lining too.
To the rear, the boot appears spacious and well carpeted, with a spare wheel below the floor.
The Exterior
- Flamboyant, rare coachwork by Abbott of Farnham
- Much restoration work carried out in 2009-12
- Very clean underneath
This car certainly cuts a dashing figure on the road.
You can drive it anywhere, safe in the knowledge that you’re not going to be upstaged by anybody. The body was produced by coachbuilders Abbott of Farnham, who had an association with the Donald Healey Motor Company.
You can drive it anywhere, safe in the knowledge that you’re not going to be upstaged by anybody. The body was produced by coachbuilders Abbott of Farnham, who had an association with the Donald Healey Motor Company.
Sweeping wings and kite-shaped front grille make this an unmistakable car, and a standard-bearer for decadent ‘50s styling. In a decade when the country was still plodding through the final days of rationing and trying to pick itself up after the war, this car must have seemed like it had landed from another planet.
The paint remains in good condition, with a few marks and blemishes as you would expect. And the chrome work is bright, with only light signs of use. Underneath, the vendor states that there are no signs of corrosion or damage.
The wheels and their elaborate chrome hubcaps look fantastic — having been powder coated in 2012 — and the tyres are said to retain good tread, although the sidewalls do look a little perished.
The wheels and their elaborate chrome hubcaps look fantastic — having been powder coated in 2012 — and the tyres are said to retain good tread, although the sidewalls do look a little perished.
Invoices with the car show the extent of the work done to the body, including welding, repairs, repainting and re-chroming on many components such as the doors, front wings and others.
As you can see, this car has had much attention lavished upon it.
As you can see, this car has had much attention lavished upon it.
The Mechanics
- Riley twin-cam engine
- New petrol tank
- Cylinder head overhauled
The accompanying paperwork sets out the extent of the restoration work carried out by Kingham Restorations in 2009-2012.
This included removing the cylinder head for refurbishment, fitting a new clutch, stainless steel petrol tank, water pump, wiring harness, radiator core, among many other jobs.
This included removing the cylinder head for refurbishment, fitting a new clutch, stainless steel petrol tank, water pump, wiring harness, radiator core, among many other jobs.
The 2,443cc Riley engine is a powerful unit, by the standards of the 1950s. Its dual overhead camshaft arrangement may be something we take for granted today, but remember that side-valve and pushrod engines were still very much in vogue at the time, so this can certainly be considered a sporting automobile.
It is said to sound very nice and run smoothly, accelerating well with no unusual sounds, leaks or smoke.
Summary
This is a very rare car, which is a shame because we think the streets of Britain could do with a few more Healeys to add a dash of flair to the scene, especially if they’re wearing fabulous Abbott coachwork such as this.
Its next owner will certainly be the talk of the car show and turning heads along the high street.
The opportunity to acquire a car as rare as this doesn’t often come along.
The opportunity to acquire a car as rare as this doesn’t often come along.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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