Highlights

Subject to a 700-hour fully documented restoration with over £16,000 invested
Chassis and body stripped, repaired and refinished
Fully reupholstered interior
In excess of £10,000 spent since purchase on total gearbox rebuild, new Hardy Engineering overdrive unit, complete new front end suspension and brake assemblies
Recently serviced with new points, spark plugs, and oil
Striking Florida Green with Old English White side flashes

The Appeal

The BN7 and BT7 were the first of the 3000 'Big Healeys', introducing the 3.0-litre BMC C-Series straight-six as a replacement for the 2.6-litre unit used in the outgoing 100-6. To compensate for the additional performance, they also gained front disc brakes. Fewer than 14,000 MkIs were built.

Here we have a simply stunning restored example of the BT7 - the four-seater variant - which was originally bound for the United States of America.

Imported from Florida, it has since undergone an extensive restoration, with over £16,000 and 700 man hours invested in its restoration. Since the vendor acquired it in 2022, further improvements/enhancements have been carried out to a value in excess of £10,000. Suffice it to say, this is one very well-sorted car.

The vendor summarises

"A really great and practical example of this true British classic, a genuine head turner with nothing to spend for reliable and exciting motoring for the next owner."

History and Paperwork

US spec LHD car, since converted to RHD
Imported from the USA (Florida) in 2013
Purchased by the previous owner in 2016
Over the following 5 years, the previous owner spent over £16,000 and 700 man-hours (fully documented) completely dismantling and progressively rebuilding the car
£10,000 spent on further improvements during current ownership
87,780 miles indicated
Exempt from road tax and MOT

The Condition

The paintwork looks in very good overall condition with only a few very minor blemishes
The brightwork, being mostly new, presents exceedingly well
The windscreen frame may require re-plating at some stage but is not seriously corroded
The interior has been completely reupholstered by the previous owner
Full chassis and body strip, replacing minor body panels where necessary, although most of the originals remain
Chassis and underside were powder-coated in a body-matching colour (photo available)
Upper bodywork was stripped to bare metal, repaired as necessary, primed, and repainted in two-pack Florida Green with Old English White side flashes
New windscreen, badges, trim, halogen headlights, powder-coated wires with new spinners, and period-correct new tyres were added
Due to low mileage and dry storage under current ownership, the vendor informs us that the interior remains in excellent order
All switchgear is fully functioning with spotlights linked to the full beam
All instruments are functioning, although the speedometer can sometimes be a little temperamental

The Mechanics

3.0-litre petrol straight-six
Four-speed manual gearbox
We're informed that the engine starts well and runs smoothly on tick over once up to temperature with steady oil pressure
Full engine strip and reassembly performed with many new parts during the restoration
Transmission, fuel tank and lines, wiring loom, replacement radiator, and cooling system were also addressed
During current ownership, the car has had a total gearbox rebuild and new overdrive unit (Hardy Engineering), complete front end suspension and brake assemblies (receipts and photo record of all this work)
In 2023, the twin SU carburettors were stripped, cleaned, and rebalanced professionally, resulting in much improved performance and emissions
More recently, the points and plugs have been replaced, and a general oil service was conducted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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