Some people of a certain age remember steam engines. Living proof of an industrial revolution that helped change the world whilst making the most modest of train journeys a noisy, dirty but somehow enthralling, emotive experience. The job of a train driver was high on the wish-list of most adolescent young men smitten by the glamour of those powerful steam engines.
And then came the electric train. Clean, fast, efficient but with all due respect to train operators today, young boys stopped wanting to drive them.
The death of the steam-age and the arrival of electrification occurred a number of decades ago and yet the internal combustion engine, in some ways as primitive as the steam engine, has survived. Perhaps it is that childhood passion to control something mechanically powerful that even as adults we (as petrol-heads anyway) have an addiction that is hard to overcome.
And so times, however and inevitably, are changing (or rather evolving) again. Autonomous, electric cars are the future we are told and like it or not, just like the fans of those prodigious steam locomotives the baton will be reluctantly passed on to a new generation.
But, for the time-being at least, that looks like a dream for the future which means that today we can still experience the sheer joy of driving a car that was designed for pleasure and not just for purpose.
Despite being powered by relatively old technology, the new cars of today are frustrated by modern technology which means that they do a specific job for which they were built in the safest, most efficient manner that the (constantly evolving) law demands. Driver aids are de rigueur.
However, a car built in the analogue age will offer just about the purest mechanical connection to the dynamics of driving a car with four wheels and British sports cars of the 1950’s and 60’s provided the perfect ingredients for an evocative drive.
Enter the ‘Big Healey’ that we have on sale here.
This splendid 1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 has been thoroughly re-commissioned and is now ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.
The red paintwork presents very well with a good quality finish together with the bodywork and chassis which show no signs of corrosion whilst complemented by the chrome trim and bright-work which also are in excellent condition.
The original interior is in a pleasant patinated condition and is commensurate with the age of the car. The red-piped black leather seats are firm with comfortable support and the leather-rimmed Motolita steering wheel is a modern but tasteful addition that adds to the driver appeal.
The detachable, folding black leather hood is also in very good condition with no visible rips or tears.
The car is currently fitted with GB Alloy ‘Minilite’ wheels and a set of the original silver-painted wire wheels will be included in the sale of the car.
Recent upgrades to this classic Healey include the following:
New stainless-steel exhaust system
Electronic ignition
Alternator conversion
Front disc brake conversion
New tyres
This Austin-Healey was apparently originally supplied to the USA but during its latter life was converted back to right hand drive and has been registered in the UK with its current owner since 2016.
An official Heritage Certificate will be supplied with the car.
Viewings are very much recommended and full workshop facilities in Crowborough, East Sussex are available to carry out any necessary inspections.
Please note that this car is being advertised on behalf of the current owner.
On sale at £69995
For further information please email sales@thecarspy.net or telephone 01892 506970.
The Car Spy 