September 6, 2016
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Roger C

HEALEYS TO HIGH HEAVEN: A look at three outstanding Austin-Healeys heading to Las Vegas

HEALEYS TO HIGH HEAVEN: A look at three outstanding Austin-Healeys heading to Las Vegas

September 6, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

The “big” Healey arguably is still the best-looking, most reasonably priced postwar sports car ever designed for the mainstream public. It is hard to imagine a single element on this machine that could have been improved upon, given the technology of the time. Even then, these roadsters were considered over-engineered by many. Rarely does a car with lines so fluid culminate into such an attractive and aggressive package all at the same time. These Austin-Healeys get more striking and desirable every single day. Here’s your opportunity to select your favorite from three outstanding examples, all of which are being offered at No Reserve at the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

Lot685_1958 Austin-Healey_Front_3-4

1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 BN4 Roadster (Lot #685)

Lot685_1958 Austin-Healey_rear34If you’re looking for an early yet still practical Healey, you’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer one than this. It represents everything wonderful about driving cool English postwar sport cars even now in the 21st century. The lines of these cars were always appealing. The Healey’s long hood and short trunk profile are what sports car dreams are made of. The design came straight from the in-house talent at Healey Motor Company. The body rests on a muscular chassis and utilizes a 90-inch wheelbase. Its overall length measures 147.5 inches. Those classic wire wheels make the case for style and sex appeal. Almost 60 years later, these cars still hold their own.

Lot685_1958 Austin-Healey_InteriorThe solid, original car here has undergone a complete restoration starting at bare metal and performed by Healey Lane Restoration of Oregon. This Healey was presented anew to the world in August 2010 and is currently part of the Tammy Allen Collection. The Old English White exterior paint is a Sikkens product; so is the clearcoat that covers it. The fresh black leather interior greets the driver like a glove. The dash gauges are beautifully laid out in their original glory. They monitor a 2,639cc in-line 6-cylinder producing 117hp that is stirred, not shaken, with a 4-speed manual gearbox. To see just how good the restoration is on this machine, pay special attention to this car’s white engine bay. Nothing good or bad can be hidden on a background of glossy white paint. The engine shot here shows just how incredible this one really is.

Two strategic upgrades were made to this 100-6 during its revitalization process. An overdrive transmission was added, as were disc brakes. Both of these items could be had from the Healey factory. The original hardtop, its convertible top and side curtains are all completely ready for show or go.

Lot764_1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_side

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Roadster (Lot #764)

Lot764_1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_Front_3-4This fully restored Healey 3000 Mark III offers the factory correct 3-liter inline-6 and a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive to give this car real-world performance capability. The 1964 Austin-Healey is 10 inches longer overall and packs a wheelbase 2 inches longer than the 100-6 version. Chrome-plated stainless-steel wire wheels with disc brakes up front and large rear 11-inch drum brakes add to its street prowess. The wiring harness and all electrics are fresh and in working order. An adjustable steering wheel, heater and actual roll-up windows provide the elements of control and comfort.

The car’s interior is a delight to behold and a pleasure to occupy, even after more than 50 years. This Austin-Healey’s undercarriage has been painstakingly detailed and coexists with a new stainless-steel exhaust system.

Lot764_1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_engineThe 6-cylinder inline engine and the car’s low-slung stance provide additional sensations difficult to match by competing sports cars. All exterior hardware has been replated and presents as new. The flawless paint and wonderful color on this one are the result of a Sikkens two-stage paint process. The hue is actually from the Aston Martin palette and referred to as California Sage.

The only thing better than looking at a beautiful Austin-Healey is driving one. No, it doesn’t come with air conditioning, GPS, an automatic transmission or cup holders. But it does come with the really important things. You know, like immortal style, open-air motoring, a torquey engine with a great exhaust note playing directly to your left ear ‒ and the kind of exclusivity discriminating car collectors get to enjoy.

Lot447_1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_rear34

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Roadster (Lot #447)

Lot447_1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_interiorThis living, breathing piece of automotive history is certainly one of the most collectible Austin-Healeys in the land. Almost every part of it is completely original and unrestored. Exceptions include upgraded radio and speakers, along with a finned-aluminum valve. British Racing Green paint couldn’t be more appropriate, and it still looks fantastic after all these years. This car is said to run as well as it ever did. With its 5-speed manual transmission, it is a great road-going machine.

These cars are notoriously low to ground and designed that way for good reason. It’s a sports car, and therefore intended to be driven around corners with gusto; its low center of gravity allows this to happen. Remember, wide wheels and sticky tires to match hadn’t been invented yet, so this was an acceptable alternative for the desired level of handling. The method required that the frame rails run under the live axle at the rear. Nevertheless, the exhaust pipe and muffler are still visible and flirting with the pavement on the driver’s side.

Lot447_1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8_Front_3-4This Austin-Healey was built during the last year of production, includes the best of all upgrades offered over the course of the Healey lifespan and happens to be in glorious, unrestored original condition. Check, mate.

Carroll Shelby himself approached Donald Healey early on in his quest to find a suitable English sports car for his very own American V8 concept. Although a deal was never struck between the two visionaries, countless other enthusiasts installed Chevy, Ford and Chrysler V8s between those stout Healey frame rails for a quick 150 horsepower boost. These are further testimonials to the great integrity of the Austin-Healey 100-6 and 3000 designs. They also represent even more proof of the far-reaching impact the Austin-Healey has left on the world’s car market and hobby.

For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the Las Vegas docket, click HERE.

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