This healey built at Longbridge, Birmingham in 1956 and was delivered to a customer at the American Embassy in Paris on 31 January 1957. At some time the car went to California, USA with its owner and was I believe imported back to the UK in 1989.
The previous owner to me bought the car on 3. Sept 1989 as a rolling chassis had the car resprayed in Original Ivory white and started to restore the car. The current paintwork is as was it was then.
I bought the unfinished restoration which was still a rolling chassis in April 2007.
The engine had been totally reconditioned with an unleaded cylinder head. The engine has the later type (abingdon) inlet manifold system.
I completed the restoration and was issued with the UK registration number it has now in May 2008 and I have the DVLA registration certificate as well as the British Motor Industry heritage certificate.
I also have a copy of the original Longbridge supply document.
The car is currently valued at £50000 by my insurer.
This healey can only be described as beautiful and near original as possible.
As an export vehicle the number of previous owners during its time in the USA is unknown.
However since its import in 1989 it has had one previous owner and then I have owned it since 2007 bought from a classic car supplier in Nuneaton.
As an ex Rover engineer and having restored classic cars I can confirm that this is a very original big healey with many original parts especially the bodywork.
I have restored the two front and two rear seats with new leather in red with white piping purchased from SC classics and fitted new carpets during the restoration as well as new hood and tonneau at the same time
I have recently fitted 4 new wire wheels and 4 new wheel spline adaptors all as originally fitted.
It has recent new clutch and brake master cylinders.
The bodywork and chassis are in very good condition
The paintwork is still in excellent condition with only very minor blistering on the boot lid.
It is always admired at classic car meetings.
The car has the factory fitted and fully functional overdrive and the overall drivetrain is in excellent condition.
It does have a small oil leak around the transmission area possibly the overdrive operating lever shaft.
Overall the drive is very satisfying, gear change is as it should be and the overdrive being very easy to engage makes for a very smooth experience.
The electical system is also fully functional and the carburettors have been overhauled recently with new jets.
The hood and tonneau cover were replaced new when I restored the car. the side screens have new rubbers and plexi.
I am sad to see the car move on but I need to let another driver enjoy it.
