There's a cracking book on Healeys that's a must read when you have that certain itch !

It's simply titled 'Original Austin Healey' by Anders DitlevClausager, certainly an excellent analysis of this ubiquitous British Sportscar.

Our own volume is well thumbed, as literally there are dozen of factory updates and iterations of each model, so vitally important to understand what's in front of you.

Happily this Healey is easily identified from the Heritage Certificate, which clearly states it was a home market car delivered by Carey & Lambert of Southampton on 14th January 1966, thus a Phase 2 BJ8.

Finished in Ivory white with red trim along with a blackhood, sensible additional factory extras of heater, wire wheels, adjustable steering column and overdrive were specified. Pleasingly nothing has changed as this 'Big Healey' remains as built today.

Purchased as an older restored car from our friends at Fernhurst Motor Company in 2013, it was actively used before being sent to Healey Specialist Orchard Restoration for a significant overhaul and improvement, which ultimatley borded on a virtual full restoration.

In fact, an entry to the GRRC Tour to Corsica & Sardiniain 2015 was the motivation and looking through the detailed invoices, it's very apparent that a great amount of work and money was spent on the braking, suspension, gearbox, and cooling system plus much else besides.

There's a log on file that reports that it happily performed perfectly over 3,000 miles, cruising happily at 70-80 mph, using just 1/2 litre of oil and NO coolant! Further gentler Tours were to take place around the UK and again it performed perfectly.

Orchard's involvement continued until 2018 when they carried out a further service and importantly replaced the rear main oil seal, which is not inexpensive! Thereafter, the owner's own mechanic took over the reins and has looked after the car on a yearly cycle ever since.

Given there are multiple recent valuations on file that exceed £75,000, it's that good. Having owned a Mk2 ourselves we're acquainted with the concept of the necessary hours of tinkering, so pleasing to find it's certainly not required here.

This Healey remains in excellent condition, in fact, we would go as far as to say, it's a superb example and amongst the best we've come across, especially given it was restored some years ago now and still on the "button" as happily driven frequently.

The paint work is virtually unmarked, whilst the interior has that original appealing patination that cannot be replicated other than by long term sympathetic attention and care. Underneath is in remarkable condition too and we have numerous photographs which we are happy to share.

We would be delighted to arrange a viewing at our Rudgwick (West Sussex) showroom, or to discuss this "Big Healey" in further detail, please contact Julien Sumner on 07788 856700.