Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- One of only 77 Healey Abbott Drophead Coupés ever made, with only 20-33 believed to survive
- Featured in The Association of Healey Owners flyer and in 'The Healey Book' by Bill Emerson
- Comprehensive restoration and maintenance history documented with a large file of invoices
- Numerous details of the car's past exploits including a well-documented trip to Jordan
The Appeal
Of course we've all heard of the Austin-Healey, but few are acquainted with Donald Healey's earlier creations. Powered by a twin-cam four-cylinder Riley engine, the 'Abbott' was particularly accomplished for such a low-volume manufacturer at the time, capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Today, it's a rare and desirable classic, with only a handful of these models believed to be left in existence from the original 77 made. This example has been meticulously maintained and restored, with a comprehensive history file to back it up. The car has featured in several notable publications and embarked upon some exciting adventures including a well-documented trip to Jordan.
Today, it's a rare and desirable classic, with only a handful of these models believed to be left in existence from the original 77 made. This example has been meticulously maintained and restored, with a comprehensive history file to back it up. The car has featured in several notable publications and embarked upon some exciting adventures including a well-documented trip to Jordan.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1953
- Large file with numerous invoices for restoration and maintenance
- Well-documented past adventures
- Featured in The Association of Healey Owners flyer and in 'The Healey Book' by Bill Emerson
- Current owner purchased the car in 2019 and it has been used very little since
- No evidence to warrant mileage except a comment in the 1984 Ellard Collection sale catalogue which stated "certain features indicate that the speedometer reading could be genuine" (24,426 miles at the time)
- The odometer currently displays 35,902 miles
The Condition
- Without doubt one of the best surviving Healey Abbotts
- Straight and solid bodywork with distinctive styling
- Repainted in 2015 and now exhibiting a light patina
- A coat of oil has preserved the underside very nicely
- Re-trimmed to a high standard, which has held up well
- The biscuit upholstery continues to present beautifully
- Paintwork is in overall very good condition with an excellent finish
- Fully lined and padded hood is reportedly in excellent condition, easy to operate and providing a cosy, well-insulated cabin
The Mechanics
- 2,440 cc Riley four-cylinder twin-cam
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- The vendor reports that the engine starts readily and sounds great
- The Healey reportedly drives well with ample torque and pleasing performance through the gears
- The brakes are pulling slightly, possibly due to lack of recent use
- Torquey Riley engine sounds good and pulls the sizeable car very well
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