Austin-Healey’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others [Archive] - Page 6

Roger Dowding

09-18-2022, 03:55 AM

NOJ393, one of the AHX 1953 Special Test Cars -
Chassis No SPL226B, Engine No 1B136878,
Later when converted to a 100S, Engine No SPL261BN.

The Car was raced at Le Mans in 1953 as a 100 and in 1955 as a " 100S ". As a 100S it carried body number 25.
- [ details from Geoff Healey books - - " Austin Healey - The Story of the Big Healey " and " Healey -The Specials " ].

Photos of the car as seen in 2011 when for sale by Jack Scott who had paid GBP 155 in 1969 to buy it.
- it had been rebuilt for the first time after the 1955 Le Mans crash and by 1969 was looking tired, as in, had lots of " PATINA ".
It stayed in its 1969 condition from then until the sale in 2011 when a further restore / rebuild took place.
[ photographer is not known - the photos were posted by Rainer Jordan on an Austin Healey facebook page along with the chassis plate posted earlier in the thread ].

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Fully restored to its 1955 Le Mans " works " livery and race number " 26 " which happened between 2011 and 2013, to my knowledge. Steve Pike has photos of the restored as have many others - some of which have appeared on this thread.

Roger Dowding

09-18-2022, 04:12 AM

Various photos of NO393 in 100S form.

At Le Mans in 1955 - in the pits and the crash.
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As seen in 1969 at Auction.

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As it is now fully restored to 1955 Le Mans state.
Photo from Road and Track is undated

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Steve and Helen Pike beside the car - Mille Miglia

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The chassis plate [ again ] as seen in 1969 -presume it too !! , has been tidied up.

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Ray Bell

09-18-2022, 09:50 AM

I reckon Lance was a lucky boy that day...

The whole of the crash could have been concentrated on him rather than the Mercedes going scything through the crowd in the stands.

Roger Dowding

09-22-2022, 01:37 AM

Another " Giant " - Dinky Toy.. [ see post #1243 for another one ]

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The Ross Bond Healey 3000 from Australia - the car became more radical over the years.
Here at Oran Park, leading a Turner and a Morgan - before it got the huge " ugly " flares..

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UJB143 at Le Mans in 1960 #23 Jack Sears car ahead of the Special Bodied John Colgate Sprite #46.

UJB143 went with UJB141 and UJB142 to Sebring later in the year where UJB141 had a huge rollover and was wrecked.
The car UJB141, was restored and I saw it in 1982 at Snowmass for the Healey 30th Anniversary and later at Bill Bolton's home in Corvallis Oregon.. Bill also had ABL6 the Modsport Racer, another well known car.
Have a Spark model of UJB143 in scale 1;43 in my collection.

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Ray Bell

09-22-2022, 08:45 PM

Paul Hamilton in the Turner...

A story about the Bond Healey's 'development':

Keith Neville, white haired, short and very knowledgeable, was the leading scrutineer at Amaroo and he watched as the Bond Healey was checked over at one meeting. The boys checked it thoroughly, then gave the okay and Bond jumped in to reverse it out of the scrutineering bay.

As he selected reverse gear, Keith asked him to stop and jump out of the car again.

He then got the team to jack the car up and have a look at the gearbox. This might not mean much in New Zealand, but our rules for 'Marque Sports Cars' required that the gearbox used be a factory-supplied unit.

And under there they found a ribbed aluminium case, which explained why Bond had selected reverse gear with the lever in a very different position to where it would have been with the Austin box. It was an Alfa-Romeo gearbox.

Roger Dowding

09-23-2022, 03:09 AM

Good story Ray Bell,
Thanks for the details on the " Turner " too !! - Nice little cars - a rival for the Austin Healey Sprite /MG Midget " Spridget "..

Roger Dowding

09-23-2022, 03:46 AM

The latest issue of New Zealand Classic Driver has a story about Alan Horner and his " Adventures on the Targa VCC Time Trial :.
Alan had Driver Frank Karl, of Healey 3000 and F5000 fame as the Main Driver, with owner of the Toyota 4GE powered Sprite, Alan Horner, the Navigator / Co- Driver.

The Magazine - Issue #103 September - October 2022 Cover and some of the photos.

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Frank giving the Sprite a bit of sideways ..

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Photos by Alan Horner and " Proshotz "

Alan is a regular competitor in the Regularity Time Trials at Historic Events at Pukekohe,Hampton Downs and Taupo Circuits.
Frank Karl has been competing in his Healey 3000 since the 1970's and more recently in a Formula 5000 that was built in more recent times in New Zealand.

Ray Bell

09-23-2022, 03:26 PM

The Oran Park photo seems to be from somewhere between 1967 and 1969...

I'm not sure about the Morgan, probably Ken Ward but possibly Ron Richardson.

Roger Dowding

09-28-2022, 05:06 AM

The " Works " Cars at Sebring.

My books by Geoff Healey and the BMC/BL Works Competition Book make no mention of the Le Mans event or Sebring in 1960..
Were they Private Entries or done by the Dealers in the USA not BMC or Donald Healey Motor Company ??

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Ray Bell

09-28-2022, 07:59 PM

the racingsportscars.com site lists them as entered by 'British Motor Corp' along with three MGA Twin Cams...

The best result was for Geitner and Spencer in No 20, 15th outright on 167 laps (the winning Porsche covered 196) and second in class, the class winner being a Ferrari 250GT California from Scuderia Serenissima which covered 179 laps.

No 18, driven by Riley and Sears, finished well down. They did 141 laps and were 33rd outright and 6th in class while No 19, driven by Colgate and Spross, was put out by an accident after 54 laps.

Donald Healey Motor Co entered one Sebring Sprite for Sprintzel (sp?) and Lumkin, this completed only 62 laps and was 41st and last of the runners.

BMC had a 'T' car for the Healeys, driven by Riley, Sears, Colgate and Spross, while it appears their spare MGA Twin Cam didn't see the circuit. For the record, the factory-entered MGAs finished 24th and third in the GT 1.6 class with 160 laps, 29th and 2nd in class with 148 laps as they competed for honours against Porsche Carreras. The third car retired after just three laps with a broken valve. A lap time comparison shows the best of the Healeys on 3:54.4 and the MGAs on 3:58.5. The Sebring Sprite did 4:03.03.

Alan Hyndman

10-03-2022, 08:03 AM

Donald Healey Motor Co entered one Sebring Sprite for Sprintzel (sp?) and Lumkin, this completed only 62 laps and was 41st and last of the runners.

BMC had a 'T' car for the Healeys, driven by Riley, Sears, Colgate and Spross, while it appears their spare MGA Twin Cam didn't see the circuit. For the record, the factory-entered MGAs finished 24th and third in the GT 1.6 class with 160 laps, 29th and 2nd in class with 148 laps as they competed for honours against Porsche Carreras. The third car retired after just three laps with a broken valve. A lap time comparison shows the best of the Healeys on 3:54.4 and the MGAs on 3:58.5. The Sebring Sprite did 4:03.03.

That'll be John Sprinzel, who talked about this race in his book "Spritely Years" - including pushing the car 2 miles back to the pits when the head gasket burnt through between number 3 and 4 cylinders.

Ray Bell

10-03-2022, 12:59 PM

Yes, I thought the name was misspelled on that site...

That sounds like one almightly long push. But then, recall that Jack Brabham pushed his Cooper about a mile to get it home and win his first World Championship on the same circuit.

Roger Dowding

10-13-2022, 04:24 AM

Came across these which may be of use to some;
Source of the Book they were in is not stated.

AH 100 SIX - models BN4 and BN6,
AH 3000 Models BN7 BT7 BJ8

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Roger Dowding

10-17-2022, 12:46 AM

Looking back over the thread and post #1130 from 1st May 2021 - or 05-01-2021 in American V bulletin format .

The post was entitled
" AHS3707 - The ex-Fred Cohen car- 1982 being restored - some more recent photos "
The photos disappeared and now realise I put on post #1134 a bit later, so will not repost.

A Clas Arleskar photo of the car in recent times.
I saw the car at Snowmass Colorado in July 1982.

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Will post about the Carrera Car [ below ] in a few weeks as will be away from Internet [ apart from my phone ].

Will post some recent finds about the 1954 Carrera Panamericana Austin Healey 100S that Carroll Shelby drove and crashed.. there are stories of the car being rebuilt, but believe it will be a replica as the Chassis was junked by Donald Healey Motor Company. The mists of time have elaborated on the story of the car - a 1954 Special Test Car - SPL 256 BN.

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There is almost no mention of the Carrera exploits in any of Geoff Healeys 3 books and Donald Healey's own book " My World of Cars " briefly mention the car in a comment about Carroll Shelby.

More to come ..

Roger Dowding

11-05-2022, 04:46 AM

Was sent this by John Windelburn, who raced from the mid 1950's into the 1990's.
John was in the Sports Car Races at Wigram in 1960 in his Lotus 11 Climax - he placed 2nd behind Angus Hyslop and First in Class.

There were 4 Austin Healey cars in the event.
E D [ Ed ] Candy in the ex Arthur Kennard AH 100 Healey Corvette.
Fred Losee in the Austin Healey 100S AHS3802 that was later owned and raced by Joss Tims [ E Tims ].
E Tims [ Joss Tims ] in an Austin Healey 100 that he owned prior to the 100S.
and a T Johnston also in a Healey, unsure if a 100 or a 100 Six.. as no cc ratings in the listing.

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Ken H, will borrow the Levin - Cabbage Tree Corner [ John Climo ] photos of the Austin Healey's in the thread.
Cheers

Roger

Roger Dowding

11-06-2022, 12:30 AM

" Borrowed " these from John Vevers a BMC / BL Guy I know.

BMC Range as advertised in I am guessing 1962 or 1963 - as the AH Sprite is a Mark two, but with side screens not wind up windows that came in 1964/65.
Note the MGB that was released in 1962 too !! ...

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The bigger - in price and generally in size [ The Mini Cooper " S " is the exception ].

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How big do want your Princess .. 3 litre Saloon or " 4 litre Saloon or Limousine ".

" THE BRITISH MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITED "
Birmingham and Oxford

Roger Dowding

11-09-2022, 01:39 AM

Not a Race but the Timed runs at Daytona Beach, Florida on 22nd February 1956.

Philip Stiles and his 100S [ Chassis Number not known ] in the " staging area " with other cars including a Studebaker Coupe, a Ford Thundebird, but what is just behind the Austin Healey ? .

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Certificate of achievement for the best run of the day for the car.Note it is a two way average, so may have gone -------faster one way >>>>.... or the other <<<< ...

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The Century Club Certificate - 128 miles per hour ..

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See who signed the Certificate William H France .. well known in NASCAR Circles [ pun intended ]

GregT

11-09-2022, 06:31 AM

My guess for the car behind the Healey is Allard Palm Beach.

Roger Dowding

11-10-2022, 04:30 AM

My guess for the car behind the Healey is Allard Palm Beach.

GregT .. I would say Spot On - the Mark One model made 1952 - 55, later models had more rounded noses.

This from Webbs Auctions - they must have auctioned one in New Zealand recently.

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A 100S on a brochure for comparison ..

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GregT

11-12-2022, 02:35 AM

For about a year around 59 - '60 I rode my bike past one on the side of the road in ChCh. I knew what it was and told the old man it was there. He even rode his BMW round to look at it. Came back and said "it's only a bloody Palm Beach" Not interested in following it up.
I've never been able to work out from Vercoe which one it was. It was pale blue from memory.
Just wasn't there one day.

Roger Dowding

12-15-2022, 04:10 AM

A Random Photo form Peter Preston archives - Peter raced a Buckler at the time - early 1960's with a De Joux body.

This from Wigram and show Joss Timms [ E Joss Tims ] in his 100 - before he acquired the Fred Losee 100S,
Ed Candy's Triumph TR3 and Syd Candy with the Arthur Kennard -Healey Corvette.

Photo posted like this -

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Photo - reversed to correct way -numbers and number plate can be read and Joss is on the right of the car.
- corrected by Mark D..

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Think it could be this event - the John Windelburn report on Wigram 1960. reposted.

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Pressed Steel Company Ltd, of Cowley - advert from around 1960. - They mention what they hope to achieve in 1962.
They made bodies for many cars, as noted.
Big Healey bodies, however, were made by Jensen of West Bromwich.

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Milan Fistonic

12-15-2022, 07:39 AM

From an article on Carroll Shelby published in the December 1954 Road & Track magazine.

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Roger Dowding

12-19-2022, 04:49 AM

From Peter Preston archives - Peter was a racer and ran Buckler 90/3 in the early 1960's.

Here from Wigram.

Fred Losee in the AH 100S AHS3802, Ivan Bennett, Morgan, behind the 100S obscured Barry Cottle Buckler and further back Jaguar D Type of Angus Hyslop and the C Type of David Young.

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Roger Dowding

01-04-2023, 02:28 AM

The Big,

Ross Bond and his 3000 - [ exact date not known ] but as advised by Larry Varley who had the pictures in his archives.
*** now known to be at Sandown in 1968.
This is before the huge flares were fitted to the car - Ray Bell may know more ..

Coming off the trailer - as seen from the front of the car..

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from the rear..

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Austin Healey 100S in the USA AHS3907 - originally sold through Austin, Melbourne Australia - the chassis number before the Seabrook Fowlds Ross Jensen car.

Appears to be around 1960 as roll bars have appeared on the cars. details of the driver I will try to find out.
A Time / Life archive photo.

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Another 100 [ not an S ] and another lady Barbara Walters the Television News personality in the USA in the late 1950's - 1960's and on.
Had not seen or heard of the Magazine published by " Mechanix Illustrated

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- I did have some Popular Mechanics back in the 1960's though.

Pat Moss and a Poem again from a magazine.

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For the small - A guy who should be on a Motorcycle and Sidecar Combo - by the looks - what do you think "jw" ?
- where ? I think Europe
- when ?? around 1960
- who - ???
- why - ????.

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ERC

01-06-2023, 12:54 AM

Well, he does have 'Norton' on his helmet.

Maybe he got the wrong event?

Should've gone to Spec Savers?

Roger Dowding

01-07-2023, 04:58 AM

Well, he does have 'Norton' on his helmet.

Maybe he got the wrong event?

Should've gone to Spec Savers?

When " Norton " was a real piece of machinery, not some computer antivirus ..!!

Cheers
Roger

A bigger Healey ...and is it a Nota NOT A " Norton..??
No ; It is a Centaur

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** Notes from Ray Bell
" Centaur is either Will Charlton or John Campbell. " - Centaur's were built in Queensland by Tim Harlock "
- more information

Ray Bell

01-07-2023, 12:36 PM

Roger Dowding

01-08-2023, 04:14 AM

That pic is from Lakeside...

Lakeside is in Queensland where Tim Harlock built the Centaur ciubmans. They were pretty rare in that they had that rounded nose.

Once again we see that the roll bar on the Bond Healey varied from time to time, the previous pic is apparently earlier (by the size of the flares) yet the more modern style of roll bar is in use.

Ray Bell, thanks for the notes.. so Not A " Nota :.

These appear to be from the same meeting - they were posted on
" The Healey Museum "
- back in 2016 and recently reposted by Joe Armour, on an Austin Healey page on Fb. .
** details from Ray Bell,
The Lakeside meeting April 18th 1971.

** Steve Booker in the MGB.
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Bit of an oops - can't get rid of the duplicated image..

Ray Bell

01-08-2023, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by Roger Dowding
.....These appear to be from the same meeting - they were posted on
" The Healey Museum "
- back in 2016 and recently reposted by Joe Armour, on an Austin Healey page on Fb. .

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Bit of an oops - can't get rid of the duplicated image..

These would be from the April 18 meeting in 1971...

Steve Booker is the MGB driver, the Centaur is either Will Charlton or John Campbell.

The colour pics of the Healey being unloaded is at the bottom end of the pits at Sandown, but I can't for the life of me find Bond mentioned in a race report at that circuit. It would seem (by the roll bar) to have been prior to May, 1970.

Roger Dowding

01-09-2023, 04:23 AM

These would be from the April 18 meeting in 1971...

Steve Booker is the MGB driver, the Centaur is either Will Charlton or John Campbell.

The colour pics of the Healey being unloaded is at the bottom end of the pits at Sandown, but I can't for the life of me find Bond mentioned in a race report at that circuit. It would seem (by the roll bar) to have been prior to May, 1970.

Ray Bell, thanks for those details - will add to the photos and the post. 1971 Lakeside was only 10 years old.
I have a cap from the 50th Anniversary Celebration meetings in 2011.

The colour ones- realise I had seen them before from Larry Varley - They are at Sandown from 1968.

Ray Bell

01-09-2023, 08:58 AM

While there is irrefutable evidence that Bond made it to Sandown in that period, I cannot find a single mention of him in any report from '67 onwards.

He must have run as a very much also-ran in a race with cars like Matich's SR3 and Niel Allen's Elfin out in front.

Oldfart

01-09-2023, 08:49 PM

The spread of sports cars became almost too much for organisers to cope with, at least on the eastern side of the Tasman.

Ray Bell

01-09-2023, 10:32 PM

I would ask Ross, but I understand his marbles are having a bit of a roll-around these days...

He was always a great competitor, Ken Webb prepared his cars superbly. Did I ever tell you about their first run with the alloy head?

Roger Dowding

01-15-2023, 04:28 AM

" Did I ever tell you about their first run with the alloy head ? "

Ray Bell please do.

Meanwhile in America - 15th -16th October 1960 at the Southern California Amateur Championship Races at Riverside.
AH 100S #164 entered and driven by Robert Windhorst.
AH 3000 #100 entered by Phil Gough and driven by Dan Parkinson- an Alfa Romeo in front and several Corvette's behind.
There was another Healey AH 100S AHS3706 entrant " Chucks Foreign Car Service " and driven by Earl Tradeup- is that name for real !! from Rainer Jordan archives

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A few years before across the Atlantic and into the Med ..
Lance Macklin in an Austin Healey 100 - Race number 550 .. his start time - Lance drove solo as seen here on the start ramp.

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Roger Dowding

01-15-2023, 04:49 AM

More pictures of the AH 100S and that accident.
Some of these I have not seen before - and where they were posted was a similar comment.

The image with the Cunningham Race #22 going past is well known and shown before.

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Ray Bell

01-15-2023, 06:16 PM

Pretty sad stuff...

Okay, back to Ross Bond. And also to Ken and Shirley Webb, who were behind the car.

Ken obtained an alloy head and fitted it to the engine, which by this time had Holden pistons as well. On the dyno it showed 10hp less than it had with the iron head and Ross was pretty dejected about it, wanting it back the way it had been. Ken was adamant that he had to drive it.

So to Warwick Farm they went. The weight reduction (50lbs?) from over the front wheels had such an effect on handling that he was two seconds a lap quicker than before.

Oldfart

01-15-2023, 08:55 PM

I thought, at the time, that Ross' car always looked pretty rugged, but I loved it for what it was.

Ray Bell

01-18-2023, 01:39 PM

To my way of thinking it was far from 'rugged'...

Look at the photos of it coming off the trailer, the colour pics in post 1281, it looks pretty good there and that's how I always remember it to have been.

It got rugged later when subsequent owners decided to drag-race it and set fire to it trying to do a burnout. Carl Stecher took it from there, I don't know where it went after he died.

Oldfart

01-19-2023, 08:21 AM

[QUOTE=Ray Bell;76999]To my way of thinking it was far from 'rugged'...

Looking at the photos of the front in post 1286, which are similar, if not the ones that appeared in Sports Car World, clearly show why I (and friends) had that impression!

Roger Dowding

02-06-2023, 05:03 AM

Nash Healey Le Mans 1952 entry Race #11 .. in 1953 the car also raced but without the number plate on the bodywork.
archive - Frederic Brambillo.

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1970's-looks like a Jaguar Drivers Club Sprint meeting, lots of Jaguars, an AM and an AH- Glenn Cannie photo - Glen was a Flag / Grid marshall on the day.

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In 1979 " Personalized " - with the US " z " Plates were issued by the Authorities in British Columbia, Canada.
A photo and notes from the local paper in Victoria - the Victoria Tomes - Colonist. 6 Dec 1969.
The same photo appeared in " Wings " Magazine - the AH Club of Brirish Columbia in January 1970.
President of the AH Club of BC at the time was a friend the late Nell Holdstock [ later Nell Donaldson, living in NZ from the late 1980's ]

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The closest I came to a personalised Healey plate was " LX100 " on my 1955 100 back in the 1980's but I do have this
- a gift from the late John and Shirley Wilson, of Oregon, given to me in 1988.

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Roger Dowding

02-09-2023, 05:09 AM

AHS3709 was among a group of cars sold through / to " Gough Industries " in Los Angeles - they were despatched from the DHMC works at the Cape in April 1955 - April 21st and 22nd.

In the Geoff Healey book on the " Big Healeys " there is no note of who bought the cars AHS3706 - 3710 and AHS3801.
All supplied to " Gough " at the same time

The car was campaigned by a Jack Breskovich [ Breskovitch ] from 1959 to 1962 at the L A Times Grand Prix for Sports Cars, held at Riverside, near Los Angeles, California - the track is now residential real estate - seem familiar, Baypark, Wigram et al.

A few photos - four taken at the start of the same event in 1962.

First a cutting from a Sports Car magazine published in the USA.

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Car has the Race number #163 and the class " D " which was a capacity class in the USA at the time.

Riverside at the Start line - which was in a bit of a " canyon " !! - Ken H may know more about Riverside.

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The car in action - a colour photo that has faded .. same Race number

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The images were posted by Rainer Jordan in the USA - who is trying to find out more about the car that was
- " written off " in 1963 - no details are known on the reason ..
Would have just been an old and well used racing car by that time !

More photos of this car AHS3709 in October 2023 Post #1393 - includes a duplicated photo from here

Roger Dowding

02-11-2023, 04:05 AM

More photos have emerged on the car AHS3709, and re -reading information and looking at my photos I now realise that the Austin Healey 100S of Fred Cohen, that was at Snowmass in July 1982, AHS3707 was part of the same set of cars distributed through Gough Industries of Los Angeles in mid 1955 - they left DHMC at the cape in April 1955.

The car at the back of a group - believed to be Riverside and would be 1962 as the new C2 Corvette's feature.
The last of the C1 Corvette model was the 1961 - 62 version that had the same front as the 1958 on cars but the Stingray tail - the shape of things to come, and modeled on the original "StingRay " of Zora Arkus Duntov the Chevrolet Engineer who raced the prototype .. ray in the late 1950's early 1960's..

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AHS3709 is it ?. hard to tell from the image .. looks more white than the pale blue of the Jack Breskovich car.
Amongst a group of Corvette's Jaguar XK's and others [ a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing- the Corvette's are C1 with the new for 1958 twin headlights, following the Chevrolet " corporate " image, reputed to be Pomona Race Track - one for Ken H,

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Refer also Post #1393.

Roger Dowding

02-11-2023, 04:06 AM

More photos have emerged on the car AHS3709, and re -reading information and looking at my photos I now realise that the Austin Healey 100S of Fred Cohen, that was at Snowmass in July 1982, AHS3707 was part of the same set of cars distributed through Gough Industries of Los Angeles in mid 1955 - they left DHMC at the cape in April 1955.

The car at the back of a group - believed to be Riverside and would be 1962 as the new C2 Corvette's feature.
The last of the C1 Corvette model was the 1961 - 62 version that had the same front as the 1958 on cars but the Stingray tail - the shape of things to come, and modeled on the original "StingRay " of Zora Arkus Duntov the Chevrolet Engineer who raced the prototype .. ray in the late 1950's early 1960's..

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AHS3709 is it ?. hard to tell from the image .. looks more white than the pale blue of the Jack Breskovich car.
Amongst a group of Corvette's Jaguar XK's and others [ a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing- the Corvette's are C1 with the new, for 1958, twin headlights, following the Chevrolet " corporate " image, reputed to be Pomona Race Track - one for Ken H,

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Ray Bell

02-11-2023, 09:43 PM

The Cobra would also date it as 1962 or later...

Love that last pic with the overpass and the XK looking like it's being pedalled very hard.

Roger Dowding

03-01-2023, 04:09 AM

The " Austin - Healey Car Club of New Zealand Inc " was Officially incorporated in early 1973, after a group of Austin Healey enthusiasts got together at Mark Donaldson's house in 1972 - Mark had purchased an Austin Healey in 1971.

The Club is to celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year and as part of the celebration is ;
" The Austin-Healey Car Club of New Zealand's 50th Anniversary Grand Tour ; 16th March to 10th April 2023.

The Grand Tour will travel from Auckland to Invercargill via Tauranga March 18th, Turangi and Havelock North, arriving in Greytown on March 22nd.
Then to Wellington and across Cook Strait to to Blenheim 23rd March, through Hanmer to Christchurch March 29 -31 and then on to Dunedin 31st March 1 st April and to Invercargill on April 2nd.
Grand Tour actually finishes on April 4th, some are off to Wheels at Wanaka for Easter April 7th - 9th.

Heard about the Official Dinner in Auckland [ Karaka ] on March 16th and the Grand Tour from Mark Donaldson when we were at the NSCC Reunion back in August.

Details are now in the Classic Driver Magazine along with the feature article on 6 different Austin Healeys, a 100 M spec 4, 100S Replica, 100 Six, 3000 and a Bugeye [now MK1 ] Sprite also a Jensen Healey.
Healey and Jensen Healey cars have always been welcome in the Club..
Jensen Healeys were new cars in 1973,first released in 1972.

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Hope to catch up with the Tour when they come through Tauranga and get a few photos.

More to come on the Grand Tour as it goes on.
The Tour is staying at the " Armitage Hotel " complex on Saturday the 18th as an overnight stop.

Will try to find out the time, for us locals .. - Nigel Watts !!

Roger Dowding

03-06-2023, 04:44 AM

This Austin Healey, one of several built apparently, put a modern style [ for the time ] GT Coupe body on the 3000 chassis and mechanicals.
Had first seen a bit about the car in one of the " Tintin " books - published by the Belgium Author a few years ago.

The Tintin image - the page from the book.

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Another copy of the image with the Tintin Book- the notes were translated by Google as noted.
The car was styled by " Pininfarina " - by some of his younger stylists / designers.

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One version of the real car.

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Roger Dowding

03-08-2023, 07:10 AM

Not much detail on these ..

A custom Healey 100 .. with an A C - Cobra -esque nose .. used on the A C Bristol and and A C Zephyr well before the Cobra.
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This photo is in one of the Geoff Healey books on the Austin Healey marque - the first one, the story of the " Big Healey "
## - The Six 100s and two Austin [ Nash ] Metropolitans - all bound for Sebring 1955 Race.
The 100S were AHS3501 to AHS3506 4 were White [ Ivory ] over Blue [ Lobelia ] AHS3502, 3503, 3505 and 3506, one AHS3501 the Briggs Cunningham Car was White with Blue Stripes the 6th car was BR Green the Jackie Cooper car AHS3504

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A Dutch Healey Club meeting with a group of cars at Zandvoort Race Track in 1993.
Healey Silverstone [ Riley 2.4 litre Hi-cam motor ] on the inside and a Sprite on the outside and all the others behind them - on track.

74272

Roger Dowding

03-08-2023, 07:40 AM

Heard yesterday that Craig Swift passed away after a short illness on the 6th of March.

Met Craig first in 1977 at the Austin Healey Rally at New Plymouth and at many rallies after that that.
Craig, along with Ross Cammick, Bryan and Brenda Harris and myself all left Auckland in July 1982 to attend the " 30th Anniversary of the Austin Healey " at Snowmass and travelled together over the next few weeks, to Colorado and back and around Los Angeles, before Craig went to New York and the other 4 bought the VW Kombi and toured the West Coast of the USA for the next two months.

Had heard from Bryan that Craig was not good and a few days later Jim Reece advised he had passed.

RIP Craig Swift ..

A few photos - in memory.

The Kiwi contingent at Snowmass in July 1982. Craig in the middle of the back row ..- as named below -
- article by Mark Donaldson NZ Healey Club and photo by Hans Nohr - who organised 5 of us Kiwi's to get from los Angeles to Snowmass and back in 10 Austin Healey's a Lincoln a Jaguar and a couple of other cars ..

74275

Craig sitting in Bill Barnett's 100 at Bill's house in Santa Ana Los Angeles in the top image.

74274

Craigs BJ8 at Rotorua in 1980 - Craig looking in the boot - complete with the " Yellow AHCCNZ T - Shirt "

74273

Craig had bought his AH 3000 in the early 1970's and had worked on it and kept it for well over 20 years.

[ He acquired the Registration Plate HS3000 in 1975 when a lot of " H " plates went to Healey owners to replace the damaged ones - as many did ]

Roger Dowding

03-16-2023, 11:16 PM

Roger Dowding

03-22-2023, 04:41 AM

Saw the group in Tauranga and have photos to download..
In the interim there are these from Fred Fowler from Omokoroa who is on the tour.

The cars at Greytown today 22nd March.
Tomorrow they head for Wellington and the Cook Strait Ferry,

74337

The car closest to camera is the " Valiant Healey " powered by a 225 ci slant six Valiant Motor,it was towing a Healey shaped trailer - the rear was a Fibreglass moulding of an AH 3000 rear shroud and boot -owner Grant Mackenzie rebuilt the car and built the trailer.

74338

More to come both my own photos and others posted by Tour people..

February 2024 - finally out some of my Grand Tour photos from the overnight stay at Taraunga.
As they say in those Cheese Ad's " Good things take Time ".

Roger Dowding

03-22-2023, 05:08 AM

The Grand Tour in the central North Island on 19/20th March.
They left Tauranga 19th and overnighted at Turangi

The Valiant Healey with Trailer, behind is the support AUdi which is driven by the Alan's Allan Horner and Alan Johnstone.
It has the Club Logos on the door and is towing a trailer to help the participants.
The names starts with the right letters ..

74339

Grant McKenzie [correct spelling ] and others including Frank Karl

74340

The group at dinner. Alister Rayner from Queensland on the right Alister owns the Recreation of AHS3601
[ AHS 3601 R ] The car built /recreated by Steve Pike in Australia.
Alister is driving a BN1 AH 100 with registration BNI which is usually at Highland Motorsport Park in the collection there.

74341

These photos appeared on the AHCCNZ Facebook page and have been " borrowed ".

Roger Dowding

04-01-2023, 02:59 AM

Sebring 1955, the Austin Healey entry list was large ..
6 100S customer cars, including the Briggs Cunningham AHS3501 - the first chassis number, as private entries.

DHMC Donald Healey Motor Company entered a works car SPL258BN, and there were 3 100's also private entries.

The images are of a pit stop of the S Moss Lance Macklin driven car - part of Clas Arleskar vast archives.

74400

74401

74402

74403

The car with Moss behind the wheel.

74404

Moss in the 100S passing a Porsche - and the placings in the race.

74405

Roger Dowding

04-01-2023, 05:17 AM

A few photos from people on the Tour posted on the AH Club Facebook page.

This 100 is not on the Tour as not fully finished but it did turn up at one of the stops -[ Christchurch ].

74412

100s, a Jensen Healey and 3000s ..

74413

some Sprites -including the Malcolm Currie one, must find out which one !!.

** details on the Sprite photo. from Malcolm Currie.

Left the Tony Van de Water AN5 758, next is Ray [last name not known also from Blenheim in the Red car which is in Concours condition a 1960 model, and on the right is Malcolm Currie's car a 1959 model.

- Must pull up the Registration details and get more info from Malcolm Currie

74414

Just realised that the first sprite - on the left is one of the first Sprites built AN5758 with plate BS4308 and is the 257th one built and probably the oldest in New Zealand.
Owned by Tony Van de Water .. have added a photo of the cars at Masterton in 1989 .. same Roll Bar same widened wheels

74416

Just re-reading a 2017 issue of NZ Classic Driver, which has the article on John Crook and his AH 100, came across these two "Dusty Images " from Allan Dick archives..

Stated to be George Lawton in 1956 .. with the plate 60*608..
Have another image of that car with the same plate at Puhipuhi Road Hill Climb in 1956 ..
The other photo is the ex Arthur Kennard Healey Corvette .. some discussion as to who is driving it !!

The page from NZ CD.

74415

Ray Bell

04-02-2023, 08:27 AM

I wonder when the Valiant Healey got its engine transplant...

Mainly because the Hemi 6 would be so much lighter and more powerful, but if it was done before Hemi 6s were available I'd understand it, also if engine length was critical.

Today's Australian Grand Prix saw a parade of the drivers sitting in Austin-Healeys:

https://i.postimg.cc/WbQvn6Zd/0423healeysalbertpark2.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/2ShfXbd2/0423healeysatalbertpark1.jpg

Roger Dowding

04-02-2023, 09:59 PM

Ray,
" I wonder when the Valiant Healey got its engine transplant...

Mainly because the Hemi 6 would be so much lighter and more powerful, but if it was done before Hemi 6s were available I'd understand it, also if engine length was critical. "

The original transplant was back in the late 70's early 1980's and is the 225 CI slant six - to fit under the bonnet of the Healey.
Had a bit of a chat with the current owner Grant McKenzie and will find out more about the car after the Tour.
It is now on a Kilmartin Chassis and the 225 is a replacement motor, as at some stage after Bernie Huynen sold the car it was repowered with a V8 but had all sorts of issues and I understand couldn't get " Compliance " so best bet when Grant got the car, back to the Hemi Six, which has been in the car longer than the original BMC " C " series Motor..

** Note the Valiant Healey is still on the " Simmons " Chrome wheels it had in the 1980's.

The Driver parade - AGP Melbourne, thanks for the photos - have seen a few on various Facebook groups,

Cheers
Roger.

PS : have some photos of the other well known Healey with a transplant - the Healey - Corvette, that was at the George Begg Festival in the South Island, the AH Club Tour contingent went, well some did.

Roger

More to come on both the VH and the HC..

Roger Dowding

04-03-2023, 04:56 AM

Re ;the Healey - Corvette, that was at the George Begg Festival in the South Island, the AH Club Grand Tour contingent went, well some did, among them Allan Horner.

Allan Horner photos of the car.

74421

74422

74423

74425

The engine in 2023

74424

The engine in 2015, when Allan Dick did an article on the car in NZ Classic Driver. Issue 63 Nov-Dec 2015

74426

Roger Dowding

04-03-2023, 04:57 AM

A better size of the last photo - previous post

74427

Ray Bell

04-03-2023, 12:33 PM

Ray,
.....The original transplant was back in the late 70's early 1980's and is the 225 CI slant six - to fit under the bonnet of the Healey.....

The Hemi 6 would probably be no higher than the slant 6 and certainly less in the way. The slant leans over across the steering and could well interfere with the master cylinders, whereas the Hemi is more like the original engine.

The thought that the slant was leaning over to make a lower bonnet line possible is a phurphy. I realised this when I did some thinking about the Peugeot 404/504 engines, which lean over at 45°, so are much further over than the slant 6's 30°. In the Peugeot it could readily be established that the carby sticking up at an angle from an inlet port that was minimally lower than it would have been had the engine been vertical meant that the engine was no lower overall.

With the slant, the inlet ports were actually higher than they would have been if the engine had been vertical. I set up a diagram to show this once on a forum and got howled down, but the facts are the facts. The centre of gravity would have been very much unchanged, the height at the air cleaner was no different (and that's the kind of thing which truly sets the bonnet clearance or height) while in right hand drive cars they become a maintenance menace.

In left hand drive it made sense, both for Peugeot and for Chrysler. Better access for the steering, column change mechanism, master cylinders etc. The starter motor is more accessible and generally there's more room for things. With the Valiants I believe one of the major considerations was intake runner lengths, though Peugeot didn't worry about that.

A side benefit of the slant is that the water pump can still be centralised in the car and moved back alongside the block, so the engine could be a little shorter overall.

The thought of a Hemi in a Healey is definitely attractive. There's a 260Z running around Brisbane with one in it, the engine's lighter than the Datsun engine, more powerful and fits in well.

Roger Dowding

04-04-2023, 07:19 AM

The Grand Tour got to Invercargill, and went to Teretonga for the George Begg [ Memorial ] Festival.

A set of photos by Adrian Robertson - who runs [ with others ] the Group " South Island Motorsport " on Facebook.

Published with permission and with a couple of BJ9's - as in others cars, in Healey parlance, like your daily driver or just the other car.

ZKMOG .. saw that car at Caffeine and Classics, Smales Farm, Auckland in May 2017, when just back in NZ and living
" just up the road "

Some of the Healey's and the MOG..

74431

Let this car in as my Uncle Eddie Dowding had a brand new one in 1957,

74432

74433

74434

The ZKMOG.

74435

More to come on the topic..

Roger Dowding

04-04-2023, 07:31 AM

More from the Festival [ carpark ] -some Racing / Competitor photos to follow.

74436

74437

74438

At the Motel in Invercargill .. John Craig photo ..
Reliant with a Healey Sticker on the back and " AC3000 " with an MGB V8 ? and another Healey in the back of the photo.

74439

Two AH's and the BCM, Lycoming and others at Teretonga Quintin Taylor photo..
AHS3908 - the Seabrook Fowlds, Ross Jensen, and many others car and the Geoff Mardon, Arthur Kennard Healey Corvette.. driven by Eric Swinbourn, the 100S driven by Martin Dippie.

74440

Ray Bell

04-04-2023, 12:33 PM

I'm sure Stephen won't mind me posting this here:

https://i.postimg.cc/BvWvT3rQ/2023-AGP-03.jpg

Roger Dowding

04-05-2023, 04:35 AM

I'm sure Stephen won't mind me posting this here:

https://i.postimg.cc/BvWvT3rQ/2023-AGP-03.jpg

Thanks Ray Bell,

Have seen a few photos of the " Healey " Drivers Parade... quite an honour for the make in its 70th Anniversary of Production and I am advised that they raced the new Austin Healey at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne in 1953 too !!.

Find anymore, please put them on here !!!.

More to come on the AHCC New Zealand Grand Tour - the 50th Anniversary 1973 - 2023..

Roger Dowding

04-05-2023, 04:47 AM

A few more photos from Teretonga of the two Austin Healey cars being raced.

AH 100S " AHS3908 " driven by Martin Dippie,
and the
Arthur Kennard " Healey - Corvette " driven by Eric Swinbourn.
Eric was heavily involved in the restoration of the Healey Corvette, helping Lindsay O'Donnell and Dave Bunn make the car a good driveable Racer.

74445

74446

74447

Roger Dowding

04-07-2023, 10:26 PM

Roger Dowding

04-07-2023, 11:04 PM

The Tom Colby Slot Car Set Up.. with the Racing Sprites.. a different image.

74465

and maybe the Spectators arrived in this.. archive of Hans Van der Kerkhov - Schuco Piccolo in 1;90 scale apparently.

74466

74467

74468

Tom Colby was also the creator of this - a BMC " Rocker Cover Racer ".

74469

74470

Roger Dowding

04-09-2023, 05:42 AM

At this event.

74474

100S ...AHS3908

74475

100 .. V8 ..

74476

Photos by Quinton Taylor -understand that he took 1000's of photos covering all the classes..

Here the AH Healey Corvette with another of my favourite cars the Lycoming Special with similar size motors.

74477

Ray Bell

04-11-2023, 11:24 AM

Another one from Albert Park:

https://i.postimg.cc/sgwZqrYB/2023-AGP-26.jpg

Roger Dowding

04-12-2023, 03:41 AM

Ray Bell, I think that Sebring 3000 belongs to Joe Armour !!,

or one very similar .. Yep

74491

A photo from Joe Armour archives of two of the Sebring cars 54FAC and 57FAC.

74492

Ray Bell

04-12-2023, 05:00 AM

I thought Joe had a Sebring 100/6...

Then again, Alan Jones was still alive when I was keeping close contact with Healeys. Through Alan, of course.

Roger Dowding

04-12-2023, 05:06 AM

I thought Joe had a Sebring 100/6...

Then again, Alan Jones was still alive when I was keeping close contact with Healeys. Through Alan, of course.

Ray Bell - you could be right .. so DAC953 NSW plate car is not 57FAC ..and it has flared wheelarches ..more likeABL6

Cheers

Roger

Ray Bell

04-13-2023, 11:49 AM

Another pic...

https://i.postimg.cc/m20HGwJ4/2023-AGP-27.jpg

Fortunately Stephen is happy for me to post these here.

Ray Bell

04-13-2023, 11:51 AM

And another:

https://i.postimg.cc/hPwgfJJq/2023-AGP-28.jpg

George Russell on board.

Roger Dowding

04-19-2023, 05:21 AM

Some photos of the first Austin Healey 100S to come to New Zealand .. imported through Austin New Zealand and delivered to the Invercargill Austin dealer P H Vickery Ltd.

Car was originally Black - single colour unlike most 100S that were White over " Lobelia " Blue.
Car was ordered by an American who failed to complete the purchase and it came to New Zealand,ahead of the Seabrook Fowlds / Ross Jensen car AHS3908 - one of the last of the 50 " customer " cars built.

Ardmore January 1961 with Peter Lawson

74526

74527

Later in 1961 the car was sold to Grady Thompson and painted a pale blue - here with the 1961 - 65 plates.
Stated to be Ardmore in 1963 - but the GP meeting was at Pukekohe.
If Ardmore would be 1962, but not even sure if it is Ardmore.

74528

After the rebuild / recreation by Steve Pike for Murray Wells in 1992 - back in Black as AHS 3601 R - at the Queensland Healey Club Rally.
In company with Joe Jarick car AHS3807 and a works car of Frank Moore OON441 SPL

74529

A brochure produced in 2015 by the current " English " owner of the car, and a Magazine article - a copy - that were given to me by current owner Alister Rayner recently, [ Alister was in NZ for the Grand Tour - he and the car are currently based in Queensland ] - the first two photos ( above ) appear in the brochure.

74530

Milan Fistonic

04-19-2023, 07:43 AM

Later in 1961 the car was sold to Grady Thompson and painted a pale blue - here with the 1961 - 65 plates.
Stated to be Ardmore in 1963 - but the GP meeting was at Pukekohe.
If Ardmore would be 1962, but not even sure if it is Ardmore.

74528

Grady Thomson was entered in an Austin Healey numbered 42 at the January 1964 meeting at Levin.

Roger Dowding

04-20-2023, 03:14 AM

Grady Thomson was entered in an Austin Healey numbered 42 at the January 1964 meeting at Levin.

That looks more like it Milan, brilliant - I questioned the photo on the AUSTIN-HEALEY 100S forum, and no one responded.
- Last year 1963 - 64 for the Yellow and Black plate " 75.602 "
Thank you,

Roger

Roger Dowding

04-21-2023, 06:14 AM

Having got to Invercargill and been to Teretonga for the George Begg Festival, and visited the " Bill Richardson Transport Museum ".. many of the contingent went to Wanaka for " Wheels at Wanaka ".

Here a photo by John Craig, one of the participants - unsure which car, he took the photo at the Motel at Invercargill.
[ will try to get a better resolution copy. ].

74461

The Grand Tour is over, and Mark and Jan [ McLaren ] Donaldson returned last Friday.
31 days on the road and the 1961 Tri-Carb never missed a beat..
The Interislander crew let them park here as they have only small ground clearance.

74541

Hopefully more photos and stories to come.
Haven't downloaded mine from Tauranga - but they are only the cars and people in the Motel carpark.

Ray Bell

04-23-2023, 12:23 AM

Two pages of the Albert Park programme were devoted to a (shallow, I believe) story about the Austin Healeys:

https://i.postimg.cc/rsGHg7vv/2023-AGP-49.jpg

Once again, thanks to Stephen Dalton.

Roger Dowding

05-09-2023, 03:54 AM

In May 2004 5 Austin Healey 100S all in the White over Blue colours were together.

The cars were AHS3906 with the South Australia number plate SA 3906 on the left with AHS3506, one of the 1955 Sebring Cars with the Race #45 on the right.
I have not yet identified the other 3 cars - One has the lower vented grille in the shroud which may help and the one in the middle has a number plate

*** see note from Allan Hyndman #1336 - the car with the vents is AHS3507

Photos from Clas Arleskar archives and the Date 25 5 2004.

*** Full details of the Cars / Chassis Numbers - from Clas Arleskar and Ivo Visser.

As seen in the first photo.
Top Left - a 100S Replica, - Top right AHS3507
The cars on the ground
Left AHS3906 in the middle AHS3905 [ not confirmed but likely as is in Australia] Right AHS3506.

74705

74706

74707

AHS3506 is in the United States as seen in this photo taken at a Car Show in Des Moines, in 2020 by Shawn Frank, who is actually a Triumph guy - I understand that !!

74709

Could not afford a 100S these days ..worth over a Million Dollars ..

74708

Alan Hyndman

05-09-2023, 09:10 AM

"I have not yet identified the other 3 cars - One has the lower vented grille in the shroud which may help and the one in the middle has a number plate "

The A100S with the lower grille would be the Vincent Sardi car. It was resident in New Zealand back around 2004. Google helped me find my post about it on Ray Green's TRS thread on the 20th of March 2016. It was also in NZ Classic Car magazine: https://magstore.nz/products/nz-classic-car-magazine-issue-164-august-04
It looks like it is chassis AHS 3507.

ERC

05-09-2023, 09:29 PM

Previously posted. Goodwood 2009

74710

Roger Dowding

05-10-2023, 12:29 AM

Thanks Allan and ERC,

ERC, your photo the Sardi Car plate ZH-179022. AHS3507 - was among six cars shipped to Austin New York in February 1955.. Shown as being despatched from the 7th to the 10th of February 1955

Vince Sardi was the owner of a well known Restaurant, " Sardis ", in New York I believe.
That venting is distinctive and has been copied by the 100S Replica that is in New Zealand - the Mike Sexton car.

Have found another photo of 4 of the " Sebring " 100S cars being readied at " The Cape " works at Warwick in early February 1955 - the photo and the details of the despatch from the Geoff Healey book " Austin Healey - the story of the Big Healeys " published in 1977.

74715

The Car with the central stripe is AHS3501 - the Briggs Cunningham car.
Photos of the cars on the transporter has been posted before.

The photo - page 144 of the Geoff Healey book " Healey The Specials " published in 1980.

74716

The other plate " GKE.006 " can't quite get the last two numbers. Looks like an Australian Plate too !! - so maybe in the photo.

" Allan H "- your comment " The A100S with the lower grille would be the Vincent Sardi car. It was resident in New Zealand back around 2004. Google helped me find my post about it on Ray Green's TRS thread on the 20th of March 2016. It was also in NZ Classic Car magazine: "
Thanks for the Note ;

I have that copy of the NZ Classic Car August 2004 and also was able to get some details from the NZ Regitration plate of the time BDP671 .. The NZTA used the Engine number " 1B 222708 " as the chassis number in their data ..

Will put the chassis detail on the Post- Cheers
Roger..

Details from Carjam ;

" 1955
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY 1005
Colour: White
Second Colour: Blue
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: BDP671
Engine No: 222708
Chassis: 1B222708
CC rating: 2,670cc
Fuel Type: Petrol "

" BDP671
Plate Type: Standard
Origin: Import from USA
Used as: Overseas Visitor Licence vehicle
Cause of Latest Registration: Used
NZ First Registration: 25-Feb-2003
Cancellation Date Of Registration: 25-Aug-2004
NZ Last Registration: Get CARJAM Report
Was Registered Overseas? Yes
Registered previously in: USA "

bringing the information together ..

Thanks again Allan and Ray " ERC ".

ERC

05-10-2023, 01:37 AM

Mike Sexton's car - 2004

74717

Milan Fistonic

05-10-2023, 02:20 AM

Details of car AHS3906 from the 1988/89 Australian Austin-Healey Year Book

74718

74719

74720

74721

74722

Roger Dowding

05-14-2023, 05:32 AM

Jack Davey, a well known Australian personality - one of the early owners of AHS3905.
.Car sold new in Australia through Larke Hoskins. see details in post #1342 from Milan Fistonic.

74744

Photo from a Magazine of the car when with Jack Davey

74745

Eagle magazine was from memory a Magazine aimed at Teenage Boys, I remember having an Eagle Annual in the early 1960's and it had a few Car Articles in it.

This from an Eagle Magazine published in January 1954.

74746

Milan Fistonic

05-14-2023, 08:52 AM

Details of car AHS3905 from the 1988/89 Australian Austin-Healey Year Book

74747

74748

74749

74750

74751

ERC

05-14-2023, 09:13 PM

Eagle magazine was from memory a Magazine aimed at Teenage Boys, I remember having an Eagle Annual in the early 1960's and it had a few Car Articles in it.
I had the Eagle every week as Dad wouldn't buy the Beano or the Dandy. It not only had cutaways like the Healey now and again, but at one stage, had Michael Turner pics every week. I saved them all, but alas, my vindictive ex-wife managed to lose most of my memorabilia when packing up the house to shift to NZ (I was here 9 months earlier). She also 'lost' my much prized car catalogues including those spiral bound E Type Jaguar ones. Ferrari California, and so on.

It was a great 'comic' and very informative. The annuals were also excellent. I switched from the Eagle to 'The Wizard' in 1957 and my next brother carried on with the Eagle. Front page was Dane Dare.

"Eagle was a British children's comics periodical, first published from 1950 to 1969, and then in a relaunched format from 1982 to 1994."

Roger Dowding

05-15-2023, 04:16 AM

Milan, thanks, I realise, now, that the " Larke Hoskins " mentioned would be the dealership that sold the car - imported by Austin Australia, not the buyer.
Knew Jack Davey was an Australia personality but had forgotten what he was.
Have seen a few photos when Sam Miller had the car too !!.

" Details of car AHS3905 from the 1988/89 Australian Austin-Healey Year Book ".
They are good articles which I did not know about.

Will amend my comment on the " History of Sales "on the post.

74756

Roger Dowding

05-21-2023, 03:30 AM

" Donald Healey
This is the original Healey 100 and one of one.
It shows us Donald Healey at the wheel of KWD 947 on a Belgian race track.** see notes below
The KWD 947 license plate was used on a number of Healey cars.
Note the low headlights, leaving little clearance from the parking/indicator lights, and the pointed radiator grille surround.

notes by Rainer Jordan - an American Healey archivist.

74769

** Extract from the Book by Donald Healey and Tommy Wisdom " The Austin - Healey " published in 1960 states.

" With the prototype model complete ( another prototype was built as a chassis for test purposes and was never bodied ), the time had come for some serious trial runs somewhere where high speeds could be reached and maintained. So the Healey team crossed the English Channel, and headed for the long, dead straight Jabbeke motor road in Belgium, scene of so many full-bore try-outs and record runs through the years. ".

The car recorded speeds of up to 111 mph driven by Donald Healey.

As noted in Geoffrey Healey book " Austin Healey - the story of the Big Healeys " KWD 947 " -
" The headlamps were raised on the production cars, increasing the gap above the sidelamps ".

This is before the London Motor Show in 1952, where the Healey Hundred became the Austin - Healey 100 after the agreement with Len Lord of Austin
There is a photo in one of the Healey Books Len Lord of Austin and Lord Nuffield of Morris [ Nuffield which included M.G, Riley Wolseley Morris and SU Carburettors ] with George Harriman and the Austin Healey 100 -Austin and Morris/Nuffield became BMC in the 1950's.

Further photo of the Healey Hundred at the Motor Show with Len Lord and Donald Healey - still with the Healey Badge, but there is an Austin Healey sign behind the Car..

74778

Roger Dowding

05-23-2023, 03:48 AM

A couple of photos from Jim Reece archives
A group of Southern North Island Healeyites in the Central Plateau, on the way home from the Austin Healey Club Annual Rally .. exact year not known but identity of a couple of the Sprites owners is - Jim Reece and the Huynen cars.
At the time Jim lived in Palmerston North and some of the others were from Wellington, Bernie [ RIP ] and Julie Huynen.
The 100 Six with the Snowman has a 1977 issue Number Plate. It also has the side Flash around the wrong way - they should have the narrow point at the front

74784

The Sprite with Big Healeys at the rear .. and the rear of the other Sprite ..

74785

Looking very Cold ..

Roger Dowding

05-24-2023, 03:16 AM

George Begg Festival at Teretonga ...

These photos from Mark Donaldson of the Austin Healeys and a Family Member .. as in Member of the Austin / Morris BMC Family.
- It is a well known car in the South Island and I understand was recently fettled after the original owner / builder passed away and is now " Back on Track ".

74790

These two photos of the 100S AHS3802 may have been at Wanaka..

74791

74792

The other car the non Healey Family member - a Wols - healey ... 1500 ..
at Teretonga ..

74793

Ray Bell

05-24-2023, 11:47 AM

Sam Miller's farm was about 40kms North of Gunnedah...

I visited there one day to have a look at the c1911 Regal Underslung, talking to his nephews who were all that remained of the family at that time. They showed me a little car that Sam had built for them when they were kids, wheels turned up from the trunk of a gum tree, a Douglas flat twin motorcycle engine up front driving (by chain) the back wheels, it looked like a baby Riley.

But one of the real treasures was the Lancia Lambda in the garage. It had lived in that garage since the day it was driven home from the dealers - about 1927 - though it had recently been repainted.

A lot of gear from that farm was stolen over the latter years, particularly motorcycle stuff. Members of the car club in Gunnedah helped out as the two nephews tried to keep things together and when they died.

Roger Dowding

05-26-2023, 04:46 AM

The Australian Tourist Trophy Race - Melbourne 1956..

A photo and the Entry List - with Ross Jensen in AHS3908 which he took over for the event.
Sam Miller AHS3905 in the field
The Healey's back in the field a bit. - not to clear.. #23 Healey is D Whiteford ..

74802

The Entry List a few 100S and several 100 - 4's there.

74803

Apparently there was a commemoration Event in recent times in Melbourne and 5 Austin Healey 100S were there, a couple of them were at the 1956 Races..

Roger Dowding

05-27-2023, 04:02 AM

Not the full Streamliner of later years - the early Record Breaking AH 100 with Head fairing, Metal Tonneau, rear wheels Spats and other streamlining body modifications ..Curved Aero Screen ..

Donald Healey in the Car at Gaydon Airfield.

74809

The car with Geoff Healey [ 4th from right beside the young fellow ] and others

74810

Note the chrome side flashes are around the right way !!

Roger Dowding

06-01-2023, 05:44 AM

Don't think this had the Austin Motor in it .... looks very 1930's like a Blower Bentley ..

74838

From Rick Neville in the USA ...
One of a kind I would say !!!

Ray Bell

06-02-2023, 06:15 AM

Understeer personified!

Trevor Sheffield

06-03-2023, 01:02 AM

Oversteer anticipated!

Ray Bell

06-03-2023, 07:32 AM

You have a point there...

Or broken axles.

Roger Dowding

06-03-2023, 10:18 PM

Yes an interesting position for the supercharger .. that weight out front would have created a pendulum effect..
- " Drives well in a straight line "

Must have raised the radiator too as the crankshaft extension would have be there !!..

More from the USA a meeting around 1955 - 56 .. with " British Engineering " to the fore.
Healeys and Jaguars ..

74847

Milan Fistonic

06-05-2023, 04:02 AM

This is the article from Sports Car World that is mentioned in the post about AHS 3905.

74851

74852

74853

74854

Roger Dowding

06-06-2023, 04:11 AM

Milan,
thanks.
You keep finding articles that I have not seen, which is appreciated.

[ Interesting that they state about 92 Austin Healey 100S were built.. the Chassis Numbers started with 3501 and finished with 3910 .. but that was only 50 cars - plus there were the 5 Special Test Factory Race Cars .. which were made from Special Test cars from 1954 and 1955 - in some cases a 100 rebodied as a 100S ] ..

I know there are a number of current AHCCNZ members / owners, who whilst not members of " The Roaring Season " do view the posts, they include the Founding President and again a member of the AHCCNZ committee, as well as the Register co-ordinator for both the Big Healey's 100s and 3000s and Sprites.

I recently - March - caught up with a number of Club members and their cars at Tauranga during there overnight stop here, during the 50th Anniversary Grand Tour.
- Still have to download my photos, but the ones by others already posted are far better.

Thanks again,

Cheers Roger,

Another image
This is a copy of painting done of AHS3601 R, the Black 100S that was recreated from parts of AHS3601, the car imported to New Zealand and sold through Vickery Motors [ P H Vickery Ltd ] of Invercargill in 1955 - It was the first 100S to come to New Zealand.

74855

The image from Clas Arleskar who owned the car for a period, and did the sketch at the time - early 2000's
Clas purchased the car in 1999 and took delivery of it in 2000
The car is currently owned by Alister Rayner, a Kiwi living in Queensland, where the car is located, but Alister plans to bring it to New Zealand in the future. Alister was in NZ for the Grand Tour with another car a 100 not an " S "

Roger Dowding

06-16-2023, 01:29 AM

Some Random photos.

First a set of photos of a NSW Registered AH 100, " AZK644 " complete with chrome 48 spoke Wire Wheels.
The photos were in a book " The Austin Healey " written by Donald Healey and Tommy Wisdom - published in 1960.I was loaned the copy of the book back in 1980's and have failed to return it as lost contact with owner.

I wonder where the car is now - looks very tidy and hopefully still exists !!

74893

Magazine Series " On Four Wheels " Issue number 45 - the front cover features a Work Type AH 3000.
I remember the book series but can't remember if I ever purchased any of them.

74894

Rocker Cover Racers .. Tom Colby created this one some years ago and photos probably appeared on here.

This is an interior shot - complete with " Bug-Eye " Sprite and a Speedwell badge - Tom runs Speedwell in the USA, even today.

74895

The complete Rocker Cover Racer with Driver .. old image

74896

A Representative of Moss Motors called to see me just a little while ago, today.

Ken H, who as mentioned on his thread had come to New Zealand for his brother John Hyndman's Funeral, called in briefly to Omokoroa as is staying in Bethlehem with his Sister and Family.
A brief chat was had - good to finally met Ken H as we have corresponded for around 10 years and have [ and had ] several Mutual friends in the USA.. including quite a number of Austin Healey people

Cheers Ken, was good to talk.
Safe Travel Home.

Roger

Roger Dowding

06-16-2023, 11:01 PM

Ross Bond AH 3000 a well known car that became more and more modified over time.
According to Wayne Watkins this is early on as still on : Wire Wheels " albeit wide ones ..arch Wayne Watkins.

74903

European Healey Meeting this year, 2023, was in Norway and this Healey displays the details Map and dates,plus previous EHM events attended,,

74904

Most Healey owners would be thankfull for this Guy .. MG, Triumph TR, Jaguar and other Sporting Drivers too !!.
Had his device on my AH 100 giving me 5 speeds and on my Triumph TR4A giving me 7 speeds ..

74905

Another Image of Ross Bond - may have been posted before ..
Car looking more modified ??. can't tell what wheels are on it. Location and Date not known **

74906

*** Ray Bell notes post #1360 and #1361 - The Creek [ Eastern Creek ?? ] 18th September 1966 Jim Quinn Eland and Ward in the Twincam Morgan

Ray Bell

06-17-2023, 02:43 AM

As the numberplate is on it in this one and not the other, I'd say this is a bit earlier...

The knock-on hubs hubs are visible, so it's still in the wire wheel era.

Behind him is the Morgan of Ken Ward, I'm not sure whose Elan, possibly John Maroulis or Len Goodwin, this places it between '66 and '68. Location is entering the Esses at Warwick Farm as the others are exiting Creek Corner.

Ray Bell

06-17-2023, 09:04 AM

September 18, 1966...

The Elan is Jim Quinn, he and Ward diced for second with a couple of passes each way during the race. Which explains why Ward's twin-cam Morgan is running so wide in Creek.

Roger Dowding

06-17-2023, 09:31 PM

September 18, 1966...

The Elan is Jim Quinn, he and Ward diced for second with a couple of passes each way during the race. Which explains why Ward's twin-cam Morgan is running so wide in Creek.

Good stuff, Ray - will note on the photo, and the post.

Cheers
Roger

Ray Bell

06-18-2023, 09:09 PM

As I was looking for that, Roger, I found what appears to be a long break in Bond's appearances with this car around 1967, but the Warwick Farm records don't confirm this. He raced it from '64 to '71.

Roger Dowding

06-27-2023, 04:23 AM

I am back, and trying to navigate a new laptop - stuffed up my password, but finally sorted ..
Now have to find all my photos ... as not all have transferred over ..

Anyway, as noted saw Ken H for the first time having been in touch for 10 years and missed each other at Taupo as didn't get there !!.

A photo .. of a Healey.. not mine the car, but my photo - from AHOCQ Show and Shine in 2016 .. at Scarborough, near Redcliffe, QLD - Dolphins Territory for those who follow the Australian NRL..

74976

Roger Dowding

06-28-2023, 01:53 AM

The New Zealand Grand Prix had been run in 1950 and 1951 at Ohakea, for 1952 and 1953 the big race on the New Zealand Calendar for Grand Prix and Sports Cars .. and NZ Specials was the New Zealand Championship Road Race.

In 1954 the Grand Prix became " International " and the NZIGP Association organised the event at Ardmore with the ANZCC [ Association of New Zealand Car Clubs ].

Three Austin Healeys were entered in Sports Car Race and the " Grand Prix "
#16 the Seabrook Fowlds entry driven by Ross Jensen came 7th NZ plate 346,239
#17 driven by David Crozier - Entrant - David Crozier Ltd - see Milans comment post #1366 ** placed 12th
#18 driven by Keith Roper - Entrant Magnus Motors Ltd - see Milans post below. placed 13th - out of the 14 finishers.

A photo I had not seen before is this one of the 3 cars in line -

74985

Details of the photographer not known.
Photo has been commented on - that these cars are " unusual on 16 inch wheels " presume as were early AH 100s, later cars had 48 spoke 15 inch wheels.

The #16 car went on to Les [ Pop ] McLaren and was raced by him and later Bruce McLaren.
The restored car was in the South Island and several years ago Rhys Nolan posted a photo of it at a Sprint event in Lumsden.

Milan Fistonic

06-28-2023, 07:18 PM

#16 was entered by Seabrook Fowlds Ltd.
#17 was entered by David Crozier Ltd.
#18 was entered by Magnus Motors Ltd.

Ray Bell

06-29-2023, 01:09 AM

Looks like this one was well-prepared...

https://i.postimg.cc/t4tsz3K8/0623healeywithscreen.jpg

Roger Dowding

06-29-2023, 03:14 AM

Photos of Ross Jensen at speed - again photographer not known - I got it via Rainer Jordan an overseas AH enthusiast.

74995

Results from the 1954 NZ Grand Prix - the GP race

74996

- disregard the long comment on the photo image - new laptop seems to have merged notes - or Operator Error - more likely ..

There was much discussion at the time about the results as Gould believed he had Won - he was awarded 4th - and the lap counters had made a mistake .. but the above is how the finished up - Officially.
Both Wharton 2nd and Gaze 3rd were also disappointed and protested the results - to no avail.
I understand that for 1955 the Time Keeping and other Officials procedures were improved.

Milan Fistonic

06-29-2023, 07:48 AM

The three Austin Healeys also ran in the Redex Handicap, a five lap race for unlimited capacity sports cars.

Ross Jensen won the race from Ray Archibald (Jaguar XK120) with Laurie Powell third in his Ford V8 Special and Keith Roper fourth

Roger Dowding

07-05-2023, 03:59 AM

An important event for the Austin Healey Team - 3 works cars entered SMO746, SMO744 and URX727.

SMO746 #66 driven by John Gott [ A Senior Police Officer in the UK ] with the Reverend Rupert Jones as his co-driver / navigator.
SMO744 #42 driven by David Seigle-Morris with Vic Elford
URX727 #76 driven by Pat Moss and with Ann Wisdom as co-driver / navigator.

URX727 won the Rally and the were 1st in class, also picking up the Coupe des Dames - first lady team
SMO744 came 5th overall and 2 in class
SMO746 came 10th overall and 3rd in class.

The cars before the event being loaded onboard the Cross Channel Aircraft.
Looks like Pat in the drivers seat Car #76 with door partly open !

75009

The Cars and Team at the finish of the Rally.

75010

URX727 on the left with Pat and Ann leaning against the car.

Roger Dowding

07-06-2023, 04:23 AM

A slot car enthusiast, David Sty, has created a series of Austin Healeys and other Sports Cars using plastic kitset 1;32 [ I believe ] scale fitted to slot car chassis ..

75017

75018

75019

75020

A TR, and a Jaguar E Type with, just to be different, Porsche 356

75021

75022

Roger Dowding

07-07-2023, 04:29 AM

EVV106 a well known 100S when owned by Tony Sinfield's father back in 1960 - 1961.

At a Hill Climb

75027

At Riccall which may have been an airfield circuit ERC or Oldfart may know.

75028

Clas Arleskar recently went to the European Healey Meeting in Norway in his Rally 3000.

75029

Hope to find some photos of the event ..

Ray Bell

07-14-2023, 10:51 AM

I've been holding out on you, Roger!

One day I was working at Port Macquarie, on the North side of the river (an area reached by car ferry) and a man I interviewed got involved with me in a discussion about racing. He gave me several slides he'd taken back in the early sixties and this one taken at Catalina Park is relevant here:

https://i.postimg.cc/W180Q5mG/0723fr-PMslidessportslemansstart.jpg
Le Mans start, early 1963. David Fletcher got a tremendous start in this event in his Austin-Healey 100S.

Ray Bell

07-14-2023, 12:27 PM

Now I have to correct myself...

This race, over just four laps, was in August, 1962, and saw David Fletcher finish second to Bill March, Lorraine Hill being third. Both of them were in Lotus 7s, March can be seen in fifth place in the start picture and, as Lorraine Hill's car was black, I think she must be back there near the white MGA.

It's hard to understand how Fletcher could have got such a good start, it must have fired up very quickly. There was only a tenth of a second between first and second, which would indicate that March only took the lead in the last corner, while Hill was nine seconds behind.

Roger Dowding

08-05-2023, 03:28 AM

A series of photos of the famous Works Rally Car have emerged - many are recent as car fully restored but a few are Historic, including Advertisements which used the car by Austin and BMC the parent company by then.

From " Austin Healey Owners and Enthusiasts " Facebook page - by ..C Eusebio ..

These are the Historic photos ..

Austin Motor Company - advertisement from Motorsport May 1961

75104

BMC Advert from Autosport June 1st 1962

75105

Photo autographed by Vic Elford another works driver - not sure if in URX727 or the 3000 behind it ..SMO744.

75106

75107

Pat Moss driving in 1960 - Photo used in the BMC advert ..

75108

The painting as used in the Austin Motor Company advertisements above.

75109

ERC

08-06-2023, 09:07 AM

Re John Gott. He was guest speaker at an NSCC (Nottingham Sports Car Club) awards dinner.

He told the story of being stopped for speeding (yes, he was chief constable of Northamptonshire I believe) by a young cop who obviously had no idea who he was. He had a wicked sense of humour.

The young cop asked why he was speeding.

"I was needing a shithouse."

"Well sir, you've just found one..."

-*-

“In his youth, he was a keen rally driver and his interest in cars remained throughout his life. Gott sat on many Home Office Committees concerned with traffic laws and was known for his outspoken views on the wearing of seatbelts and speed limits. Gott was racing his car at a racing circuit when tragically he had a heart attack at the wheel and was killed instantly,”

"With some reluctance the car was rebuilt after the fatal accident with the condition from his wife that the car never be shown in public during her lifetime. The car then entered a private collection and I do not know of its current situation."

Roger Dowding

08-08-2023, 04:23 AM

Notes and photo from Rainer Jordan

" Sebring 12 Hours 1956 Date: 24.3.1956
#29 Macklin / Scott-Brown Donald Healey Motor Co. Ltd. (GB) Austin-Healey 100 S BMC S3.0 FIA Class 9 DNF Starter OON 440
#30 Jackson-Moore / Forbes-Robinson Donald Healey Motor Co. Ltd. (GB) Austin-Healey 100 S BMC S3.0 FIA Class 9 DNF Engine NOJ 391
#31 Stiles / Huntoon Ship & Shores Motors (USA) Austin-Healey 100 S BMC S3.0 FIA Class 9 11th 3rd in Class AHS 3804
#64 Brewster / Rutan William Brewster (USA) Austin-Healey 100 S BMC S3.0 DNF Clutch AHS 3506 "

The notation BMC S3.0 is i presume in connection with the " FIA Class 9 "
The photo.

75113

Roger Dowding

08-08-2023, 05:00 AM

Notes from the photo - by Roland Nancarrow this event on the weekend August 2023 .. thanks to photographer and AH Owners page ..

" Phil Case who took out two trophies at yesterday's Cairns Swap Meet and Car Show with his BN1. Unfortunately it was a rainy day but Phil had made it some 4+ hours drive from his home in Townsville. "

75114

Going back in time ..

Racing at Winton in 1978 - a 100 grid - Paul Bradley photo.
details on the photo ..Jim McConville, Graeme Marks, Neil Shields NS104 and others ..

75115

Roger Dowding

08-13-2023, 03:33 AM

AHS3905 the 100S was originally owned by the Radio personality Jack Davey, it then passed to Sam Miller who raced it with #22.
Sam was from Gunnedah in rural New South Wales and competed in Hill Climbs and Race meetings cross the state.

Some images and the results from a Hill Climb at King Edward Park, Newcastle, NSW - 18th August 1956.

The car was dark green with cream trim including the painting around the grille - which was removed when competing.

With a group of cars - with notes on the event.

75121

The car beside a Triumph TR2 or 3.. This at a different event and the car now has white side panels but still with Race #22

75122

At speed .. believe at the same Newcastle event run by the MG Car Club ..

75123

Results from the event - thanks to Tony Parkinson for the archive - images.

75124

Roger Dowding

08-13-2023, 03:51 AM

Notes and photo from Allan Dick..

" It is, I think, Peter McFarlane from Clydevale in South Otago competing in the sports car race — or perhaps practice — at the wet and tragic Dunedin Road Race in 1962. "

75125

Milan Fistonic

08-14-2023, 02:32 AM

Roger Dowding

08-19-2023, 04:36 AM

In 1953 the Donald Healey Motor Company at The Cape Factory in Warwick built 4 Special Test Cars under the AHX Build series.
They were NOJ391 chassis SPL224B, NOJ392 SPL225B and NOJ393 SPL226B which were Road Registered in 1953, additionally SPL227B was built as a Record Car - for the up to 24hiour endurance record sessions.

Here is NOJ391 with its Le Mans 1953 Team Mate NOJ393.. NOJ393 was the spare car for Le Mans 1953, NOJ391 and NOJ392 being the Le Mans entries Race #33 [ 391 ] and #34..

There is a long and convoluted story about these two cars as one became the other after NOJ391 was damaged and became NOJ393. Will add to the story later - meanwhile the photos from various archives as collected by Rainer Jordan.

75142

Donald Healey [ DMH ] showing The Duke of Edinburgh [ HRH ] the car NOJ391.

75143

looking at the Engine

75144

The story goes that the Duke was interested in buying an Austin Healey, but needed something with more cabin space - perhaps to hold his hunting guns ??

Roger Dowding

08-21-2023, 12:25 AM

From a magazine titled New Book of Motorsports published in 1975 or '76. Don't know who or where except that it is from Australia.

60702

Note from Ray Bell " Peter Hopwood at Amaroo Park ",

Post from April 2019.

A couple more photos of this car have appeared recently - now to find them

Milan Fistonic

08-21-2023, 09:42 AM

Not sure if I've already posted this photo. The caption has the driver as Barry Birh but that could be a misprint for Birch.

It's from another magazine titled New Book of Autosports.

75151

Roger Dowding

08-24-2023, 04:53 AM

The original, and before the Austin tag was added ..

Leonard Lord with Donald Healey in the car - " Healey 100 " badge on the car - first day of the Motor Show.

75168

Another photo of the pair in the car - can't see the badge but it is after the agreement was signed and the car became the " Austin Healey 100 ". the sign beside the car states that ..

75169

Roger Dowding

09-02-2023, 05:26 AM

AHS3601 was the lowest chassis number to come to New Zealand, AHS3908 the Seabrook Fowlds - Ross Jensen car one of the highest chassis numbers.

The car these days is a Recreation and chassis is AHS3601 R [ replica ] as built by Steve Pike in the late 1990's in Australia.
Car is owned by a New Zealander living in Queensland Alister Rayner, car currently in the UK.

A photo - page of the Brochure that was written in around 2012 when the car was purchased by Derek Mayor from Clas Arleskar and the car came to England.

75213

The car - well some of it is visible - in a transport trailer recently - photo from Alister Rayner - the current owner.

75214

The AHCCNZ Register details written around 1975 by Jim Reece as Big Healey Registrar for the Club.

75215

We now have the details that while P H Vickery Lt - Vickery Motors owned the car it was raced a R Barney Giller.
Car then went to Jack Grieve as owner, in February 1957, then Max Richards in 1958, then via Shelley Motors in Wellington to Peter Lawson, back to Shelley Motors then sold on to Grady Thompson in 1961 and to John Egden in 1964 - who crashed it badly in the outskirts of Wellington on the 9th July 1967
- the day before Decimal Currency started - As an aside.

Roger Dowding

09-08-2023, 03:51 AM

The Austin Healey BMC dealers in the USA advertise the vehicles through Hambro - here a selection of Adverts.

Two on the AH 100 from the 1950's 1953 - 57 period and one from around 1961 as has the new shape Sprite and the MGA, by 1962 the MGB had been released. - these from Hemphills Healey Haven archives.
A Hambro Advert from 1956 - The release of gthe BN2 version of the 100, with a four speed gearbox

75252

An Advert mentioning the performance of the AH 100 .. note the speeds claimed were for a car that had modifications to streamline it - underbody panels and a headrest cowl behind the driver, plus wheel-spats on the rear wheels.
This from West Coast dealers

75253

The AH 3000 AH Sprite MGA advert. a Hambro advert

75254

Roger Dowding

09-17-2023, 03:55 AM

More photos from Clas Arleskar archives.

this one entitled " me and my Healey 100S at Thruxton in August 2002 "
a 100 with a Hardtop beside / behind the 100S.

75309

At a English / European event - undated - Is it the same place ? " Ferodo " advert behind it again, as well as Kumho Tyres.

75310

Roger Dowding

09-18-2023, 04:49 AM

Origin of this photo not known -

The car is NOJ393 which Officially is Chassis number SPL226B - one of the AHX 1953 Special Test Cars built by Donald Healey Motor Company in the AH 100 shape - later modified with a 100S type grille.
At one stage NOJ391 was involved in an incident at Le Mans and its component put into NOJ393 to race to avoid have to be re-scrutineered by the French Officials..
The car is the one that had the huge crash at the 1955 Le Mans, driven by Lance Macklin, that involved Pierre Levegh Mercedes 300SL and the Mike Hawthorn D Type Jaguar.

75311

A painting of the incident by Keith Parkes - which some opinions state is not accurate - shows the 3 cars involved.

75313

Earlier time at Le Mans with NOJ391 and NOJ393 and cars with their original type 100 Grilles. the 1953 Le Mans Race

75312

I should note that ERC has a thread with almost 1,9 million views - a wee way to go !!

Roger Dowding

09-21-2023, 03:50 AM

" Chassis Monday is presenting AHS 3707.
This 100S, AHS-3707, is the seventh 100S of the third batch of ten. It was shipped on 21 April 1955 as one of six sent to Gough Industries in Los Angeles, where the popularity of sports car racing was at a fever pitch. This car, finished in the classic and model-signature combination of Old English White and Lobelia Blue.
Although the original first owner is unknown, the ownership history has been continuous since early 1959, when the car was purchased by Bob Schilling from a used car lot on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. He would race the car on and off from 1960 to 1962, until he sold the Austin-Healey to Louise Grey-Young, of North Hollywood, in 1964. It subsequently traded hands several times over the years, with other notable caretakers including well-known and highly respected car collectors Jon Savage and Craig McCaw. "

I along with 1000 or so others saw the car at Snowmass, Colorado in July 1982 at the
" 30th Anniversary of the Austin Healey " celebrations.

The car at this time was still being restored and transported by Global Healeys, later Australian Steve Pike helped with finishing the restoration of the car

A montage of my photos form the Album I created after the event and others I attended in the West Coast of the USA, including Laguna Seca the 9th Historics and the AH Club of Oregon meeting at Medford Oregon.

75325

The car when owned by Jon Savage in 2005

75326

The car at Laguna Seca - the Monterey Historics in 2012.

75327

Roger Dowding

09-24-2023, 04:06 AM

Arthur Kennard in the Healey Corvette pre 1960.
Race #10 and has the BP sticker by the door.

75337

The car at The Goodwood Festival in the UK in 2019 - racing in the Freddie March Memorial Race - Freddie was I believe Lord March - well known in Motor Racing circles in the UK..

75338

Another photo posted before of the Healey Corvette in New Zealand Number Plate 315.733 is the 1956 - 61 issue.
Car has Race #10 and the BP sticker is visible - posted before. Still wondering who is sitting against the car ??.

Location believed to be Wigram - the photo was used in an article when the car was invited to Goodwood in 2019

75339

The car has changed a bit since being fully restored - the bonnet now sports 3 rows of louvres as it did back in 1957 on.

When the car was Hampton Downs in 2018 had a two rows of louvres and a different Roll Bar to its current one.

75340

Milan Fistonic

09-24-2023, 08:01 AM

This photo that I took at Goodwood in 2019 shows the car with three rows of louvres and a very different roll hoop.

75343

Roger Dowding

10-06-2023, 03:05 AM

AHS3709 was sold new through Gough Industries - Los Angeles California.
It was part of a delivery to Gough Chassis numbers AHS3706 to AHS3710 and AHS3801 - dispatched on 21st and 22nd April 1955.

Original owner of the car is not stated in the Geoff Healey books, but the car was raced extensively by Jack Breskovich from 1959 to 1963 before it had a bad crash in the hands of another driver or owner.

The car was featured on one of the Austin Healey 100S facebook groups on their Chassis Monday, and as a result a number of pictures of it racing have emerged, some have been seen before.
- note for anyone searching the 100S group pages there are Two.
" AUSTIN-HEALEY 100S " the group that featured the first image and " Austin Healey 100S " - the original group.

Chassis Monday.

75398

The car appears to have raced under the number #163 in the SCCA races in the USA, as well as some long distance Sports Car Races - the LA Examiner Grand Prix and the 3 hour Race for Sports Cars at Riverside, California.
A couple of pictures from 1959;

Pomona

75403

Riverside

75399

Races from 1963.

75400

The Cobra in this photo is a well known car #198 and one of the first Cobra to race - in the USA

75401

The car with Race #180 - it is presumed to be Jack Breskovitch, going the wrong way. undated

75402

Some images are from " Austin Healey " - a pseudonym for the creator of " AUSTIN-HEALEY 100S " page and others from Rainer Jordan - as shown on the photos.

Speedsports

10-18-2023, 05:57 AM

Roger Dowding

10-20-2023, 03:50 AM

I note that one of my articles, on AHS 3906 from the 1988 Yearbook of the Austin Healey Clubs of Australia has been posted here unfortunately without credit to me as researcher and author. To coincide with the National Australian Austin Healey Club Rally in 1988, which coincided with Australia's Bicentennial, I offered the host club, (NSW) to document the known history of every Austin Healey 100S that has been in Australian up until that time. Subsequently, I was asked to include Works Rally cars and 100M's. As this was all in the days before computers and due to publication time constraints, I had no chance to proofread (never again!). After months of late nights, the finished product was a little rough but considering the limitations, result was not too bad. I subsequently tightened it up for the second edition of John Blanden's 'Historic Racing Cars in Australia'.

As the creator of this Thread on " The Roaring Season ", I apologize to you " Speedsport " for the omission.
Please put your name to the thread and if the posting was mine I will amend, if posted by another Member it will be acknowledged.

Refer to Post #1340 on page 67 regarding the article " AHS 3906 from the 1988 Yearbook of the Austin Healey Clubs of Australia has been posted here unfortunately without credit to me as researcher and author. "

Cheers

Roger

Roger Dowding

10-20-2023, 04:34 AM

Notes from Rainer Jordan.

" How the former factory Healey (UJB 143) raced by Jack Sears and Peter Riley at Sebring 1960 #18 and Le Mans 1960 #23 became "DD 300".
In 1961, newspaper magnate David Dixon bought it and changed it to "DD 300."
David Dixon drove a Mini with the reg. number "DD 300" as a privateer and this personal number was to be on his newly acquired Austin Healey.
1961 #21 Austin-Healey DD 300, Stoop / Bekaert - Le Mans 24 Hours, DNF: Engine
1962 #24 Austin-Healey DD 300, Whitmore / Olthoff - Le Mans 24 Hours, DNF: Piston.
The number (UJB 143) now went on the next new car built by the Competitions Department, a new Red Rally car being prepared for the Swedish Midnight Sun Rally. "

Photos of the car at Sebring #18 in 1960
Le Mans 1960 #23
and in 1961 Le Mans owned by David Dixon raced as #21 DD300
In 1962 Le Mans as #24.

75471

75472

Have a scale model of #23 at Le Mans and have seen UJB143's sister car UJB141, that rolled at Sebring in 1960, when I visited Bill Bolton in Corvallis Oregon in 1982, saw the car at Snowmass also in 1982

The car as DD300

75473

75474

The car in John Chatham's hands in 2016 - thanks to Ray Green [ ERC ] for the " borrowed " photo.

75475

Roger Dowding

10-24-2023, 04:14 AM

Allan Horner with his Toyota twincam powered Sprite is in the Time Trial Class of the Targa Rally which started today
Tuesday 24th to Saturday October 28th 2023.

His Driver / Co-Driver this year is Des Redgwell - seen here in the car at the Start on Day One.

75484

Had just purchased my copy of NZ Classic Driver Magazine and there is the car in a photo from a previous Targa and in the Entry List
In a previous Targa Frank Karl was the Driver with Allan Horner.
They featured in an article in NZ Classic Driver, written by Allan - and posted on this thread, last year.

One of the images from NZ CD in the August 2022 Edition.

75485

Roger Dowding

10-25-2023, 04:37 AM

AHS3802 was imported into New Zealand by Fred Losee an American Dentist who worked at the Dental Section of Dunedin University 1958 - 60.
The car went to Ernest [ Joss ] Tims in 1960 and then through various NZ hands to Nic McFarlane in 1973 and was sold to Murray Wells in Australia in 1981.

A little piece of its New Zealand History - all the Owners, is on these two images copies of the NZ Registration Papers issued in 1975 with all the previous owners, as they used to do.
no longer under the Privacy Act !!

75490

75491

The Story of the car has been posted on here from the AHCCNZ archives as held by Jim Reece - who also had these papers.
There has also been photos of the car with Fred Losee which was stated to be at Balclutha.
It was in fact at Wangaloa, near the sea on a grass track beside the Coast Road that goes from Balclutha to Dunedin.

photo [ posted before ] and some new notes

75492

Car has the 1956 - 1961 plates here as issued new in 1958.

Notes from Ivo Visser - referring to the article on AHS3908 the Seabrook Fowlds Ross Jensen car that has never left NZ apart from going to Albert Park Melbourne in 1956.

" In the next issue of Classic Driver I track down the ex Ross Jensen Austin Healey 100S.[ AHS3908 ] Three came to NZ — the Jensen car, the one and only black car for Vickery's, the Invercargill Austin dealer [ AHS3601 ] and American naval dentist Fred Losee brought one [ AHS3802 ]along when he came to Dunedin to teach at the Dental school.
Fred used his daily and competed in Otago Sports Car Club events and is seen here chasing Kerwin Taylor's Buckler at a Wangaloa grass track meeting. Fred fitted his car with bumpers.
The Jensen car has always been in NZ, the Losee car went back to the US while the Vickery car was destroyed in a road crash, but surviving parts were used to recreate it [ as AHS3601 R ] and it's just come back to NZ. "

The comments from Allan Dick who wrote the Article - edited by Ivo Visser, Chassis Numbers added to clarify

The photo with the Kerwyn Taylor Buckler as mention above. - posted before but fits with the story.

75493

Roger Dowding

10-30-2023, 04:01 AM

A story about AHS3802 written by Roger with additional comment by Bernie Huynen [ RIP Bernie ] of the AH Car Club of New Zealand.

A link to article - ** see note below - as found by Rainer Jordan,

" AHS3802 is now in Northern California, owned by Dr Robert. Griffin

" https://classicpromenade.com/.../1955-Austin-Healey... "

** - The link is incorrect - the story is as a PDF file which will attach here.
For the good copy of the article go to the Facebook Page Austin Healey 100S [ Not AUSTIN-HEALEY 100S ]

75519

The Article details the NZ Owners as shown in the NZ Registration Papers posted recently - more for the story

Photo from Clas Arlekar archives of the two cars AHS3601R in Black and AHS3802 in Red - The cars were owned by Murray Wells at the time.

75517

AHS3601 R with Clas Arleskar Rally 3000 which he still has - Clas owned AHS3601 from 1999 to 2012.

75518

Roger Dowding

11-06-2023, 04:35 AM

George Lawton who was joint " Driver to Europe " with Denny Denis Hulme in 1960.

George had a 100 Six, which he campaigned in various Northland Car Club events, especially Hill Climbs.

John Windelburn sent me this photo of George Lawton at a Hill Climb near Waipu, in 1958.
It is not Puhipuhi Road which is further North.
" Oldfart " has mentioned the name of the road on TRS previously, couldn't find the notes in my quick search.

75545

George Lawton at Puhipuhi Road - believed to be in 1957 - Brian Skudders - Northland Car Club archives

75546

George also had a Cooper Bobtail - the two cars seen together - posted before. Graham Woods archives

75547

Roger Dowding

11-14-2023, 04:17 AM

Mentioned on this thread some time ago Brett has repurchased the Sprite he owned many years ago and is restoring and improving it - performance / braking / handling / safety.

The car has progressed well and is nearing completion.
Have ' borrowed ' these photos from Brett's posts on Facebook - told him I would when he started.

The interior being completed - back in October 2023

75612

The bonnet going on - more recently - in the last couple of weeks.

75608

75609

It is on

75610

The car on it new Minilite Wheels - part of the performance / safety mods. this happened in the last few days.

75611

Meanwhile another series one Sprite - one of the very early ones has been having some TLC - another story there.

Roger Dowding

11-14-2023, 04:27 AM

" Meanwhile another series one Sprite - one of the very early ones has been having some TLC - "

Anthony van de Water has owned this Sprite since the 1970's and attended many Austin Healey Car Club events, in that time..
Recently it has received some work to re-restore it.

A recent photo of the car. from Tony's own archive.

75613

Last time I saw the car was in 1989 at Masterton for the AHCCNZ Rally, Tony travelled with a group of us from Auckland to Masterton and back.

The car at the time of the Masterton trip - my own photo.

75614

Since Around that time Tony has lived in the Blenheim area and run " BASIS the Spare Parts business for English cars.
Tony also has a Triumph TR2 which is receiving some re-fettling as well.

Roger Dowding

11-18-2023, 04:54 AM

Information from Joe Jarick.

" This photo was taken at the Australian 50th Anniversary of the Austin Healey 100S in October 2005. Every 100S in Australia attended the first day (AHS 3909 was present, but not running) In the photo line up there is one replica (red) and one visitor from overseas (AHS 3808). OON 441 (green) and my 100S (AHS 3807) were driven from Queensland and back, a distance of almost 4,000 klm. Tony Parkinson compiled an excellent video of the event. "

The Photo - Clas Arleskar archives but others have copies.

75637

Link to the Video - hope it works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSqQjl6-EaM

Roger Dowding

11-27-2023, 04:51 AM

With the sale of MX5 UN7284 recently decided that as I no longer have a Big Toy to play with, I needed some more small toys.

A Corgi 1992 Issue of Rally/Race Austin Healey 3000's
The trio are
#18 the 1960 Sebring Car of Jack Sears and Peter Riley, one of three Team Cars entered at Sebring UJB143, which finished 3rd in Class, the car was raced at Le Mans a few months later with Jack Sears again.
Sister car #19 at Sebring had a huge Rollover at the event but was rebuilt UJB141, The car was at the Austin Healey 30th Anniversary in 1982 that has featured on this thread - then owned by Bill Bolton of Oregon
#76 the Rally 3000 of Pat Moss URX727 Pat with Navigator Ann Wisdom came 2nd in the Alpine Rally.
There is a tribute to this car in New Zealand which is a competitor in Historic Racing.
#414 Registered UOC741 is a 100-Six competing since 1957 main competition seems to be in 1958.
[ believe upgraded to 3000 specs and seen here as it was in the TULPEN Tulip Rally in 1960, no record of this in the book so could have been a Private Entrant by then - an ex works car.].

75704

75705

A bit of History on these cars is in the book " The BMC / BL Competitions Department " - by Bill Price published in 1989 - will add to the story.

Roger Dowding

11-28-2023, 03:55 AM

A bit of useful information for Austin Healey owners -
There was a question about the number tab of the float bowl of an SU recently.

SU
75710

and some more information, may not effect Healey Driving but good to know

Tyres
75711

URX727 the Pat Moss Ann Wisdom Rally Car with a boot full of tyres.
Photo is recent of the now fully restored car.

Tyres. they look a bit Winter Style to me.
75712

Roger Dowding

11-29-2023, 05:08 AM

The car has featured on this thread before and was the subject of a story in a " Tintin " cartoon book.

Notes from the Classic and Recreation Sportscars post.

" Austin Healey 3000 Coupe "
Is a concept car created in 1962, designed by young students Pio Manzu, Henner Werner & Michael Conrad as a design entry to a competition to mark the tenth anniversary of Swiss automobile yearbook (L’Annee Automobile) and displayed at the Earls Court London, Geneva and Turin Motor Shows.
This winning design was built by Pininfarina on a 3000 roadster chassis powered by a straight-six cylinder 2912cc engine. "

A series of photographs

75718

75719

75720

75721

next post another photo and sketches and an article from a magazine.

Roger Dowding

11-29-2023, 05:13 AM

another photo and sketches and an article from a magazine.

75722

The evolution of the shape from AH 3000 with Hardtop to 3000 GT.

75723

75724

The Tintin story.

75725

Roger Dowding

12-02-2023, 04:19 AM

A famous Austin Healey 100,
- One of three imported by Seabrook Fowlds and originally raced by John Seabrook and Ross Jensen. It ran #16 at Ardmore with Ross Jensen but is better known with #46 as raced with Les and Bruce McLaren, with plate 346,239 up until June 1956 when it received a new plate, under the 5 yearly Plate issue.

The car was restored by Barry Clearwater and re- registered as 346239, Barry passed away and the car is still with the Clearwater Family and was on display with the Austin Healey Club 50th Anniversary Grand Tour in March April.
Car resides in Gore and has attended the Gore Branch VCC Hill Climb at Lumsden, using a unused piece of the SH6.

The car on display a couple of years ago. Photos by John Yelavich. They were attached in a link to an article on the car which appeared to be One Photos until you clicked on the photo and there were many more.

75748

75749

75750

75751

75752

More to come, the other end of the car.
A few more Notes too, when I find them.

Roger Dowding

12-02-2023, 11:06 PM

First plate was 346,239 and now is 346239.

NZ First Registration: 04-Dec-1953.

Recent Plate details
" Plates History
Plate Effective Date
346239 25-Jan-2005
CFH399 22-Nov-2004
"

Car was owned by Seabrook Fowlds and Ross Jensen drove it for them before he moved to the 100S and the 100 was sold to Les [ Pop ] McLaren in 1955.
Les competed in it at the NSCC run North Western Motorway Sprints in October 1955, that Bruce was also entered
- Bruce in the Bob Crisp " Standard-Ford Special ".

More photos from the collection of John Yelavich.

75753

75754

75755

75756

A photo from the Bruce " McLaren Trust " archives - taken at the Trust Display - copy from Rainer Jordan [ Photographer not stated ].

75757

Barry Clearwater in action at Lumsden The Gore branch VCC Hill Climb - in 2017 - Rhys Nolan archives [ posted before ]

75758

Roger Dowding

12-08-2023, 05:02 AM

Some more of " Faminz " restoration.

The car is going - needs tuning but able to be driven on and off the transporter to the Upholsterers in Wellington.

Loading / unloading and travelling.

75790

75791

At the workshop - NA MX5 is a Small car !! not really Sprite is a " small car "

75792

The interior and upholstery

The Drivers view

75793

The Footwell with new carpet.

75794

The boot space - remember no boot lid so access " From the Cockpit " - sounds like the Title of a Book - it was !!.

75795

Thanks to Brett for sharing the photos.

Plates History :
Plate Effective Date
XE2121 29-Jun-1998
BD5874 02-Oct-1962
Registration Status: Get Report
Plate: XE2121
Plate Type: Standard
Origin: NZ New
Used as: Private Passenger vehicle
Cause of Latest Registration: Re-Registeredℹ
NZ First Registration: 02-Oct-1962
NZ Last Registration: Get Report
Was Registered Overseas? No.

Car would have had a plate before the BD5874 issued in June 1964.
Was the car in NZ in 1959 - not known - Faminz may have the details.

Next post is about another AH a 100S - with history [ well they all have some ! ']
Make that next plus One - post after #1411,,

Roger Dowding

12-10-2023, 05:28 AM

A story I had not known about.
A book by Richard Pape of his drive [ with a few co-drivers ] from Cape Cold [ in Northern Norway ]
to Cape Hot [ Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.].
All done in an Austin A90 Six Westminster with the " C " series 2639 cc motor seen in the -
Austin Healey 100 - Six
- and also appeared in the Morris Isis - the 6 cylinder version of the mid 1950's Morris Oxford.

75801

The car is on display at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, it is next to a Works Austin Healey Rally Team 3000.

75802

Map of the route on the car.

75803

75804

More to come, once I have read the book.
The car seen is the one that finished the journey but not the one that started in Northern Norway as it was crashed and the Norwegian BMC dealer gave them a replacement with the Norway Number Plate - as seen.

Roger Dowding

12-12-2023, 12:10 AM

Knew the name but not the connection to Austin Healey until some information came to light recently - from 1955 - 56
George described briefly below.
" George Edgar Abecassis DFC (21 March 1913 – 18 December 1991) was a British racing driver, and co-founder of the HWM Formula One team. "

His competition driving with Donald Healey - pre BMC works - was at Mille Miglia in 1955.

" he drove a red Austin Healey 100S (AHS3804) very fast in the last "Rome section" to an outstanding position close to the speeds of Stirling Moss with the Mercedes SLR and finished 11th overall. "

George in the Austin Healey. Car was #700 - numbers related to start times so presume 7;00 pm.

75812

Some History from Robert Visser archives ;

75813

75814

The car for sale in 1956.
An advertisement form Ship to Shore Motors.

75815

AHS3804 is the chassis number but believed to have been built as a Special Test Car in 1953 SPL224B with Registration NOJ391. competing at Mille Miglia and at Le Mans earlier as a 100 not an " S ".
Information in the Geoff Healey Books, is confusing.

According to Geoff Healey first book " Austin Healey - the story of the Big Healeys " -
The prototype 100S with Lance Macklin and George Huntoon raced at Sebring in March 1954, Race #29.
That would have been OON441 Chassis number SPL258BN.

AHS3804 was sold through " Ship to Shore Motors " in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA to Ed Bussey Dispatched in November 1955

Roger Dowding

01-13-2024, 03:51 AM

Austin Healey had SU carbs from 1953 to the last Sprite in 1970,
- all had two ranging in size from Inch and an Eight for the first Sprites model AN5 to 2 inch for the last of the Big Healey's the AH 3000 model BJ8, only the 1961 - 62 AH 3000's had more than two, the 1961 - 62 cars were known as the Tri-carb model in AH circles.

75894

75895

This may help those who are taking them apart
- to make sure that you have not dropped any bits.

Taking them apart happened many times in my ownership of AH's and a TR4 and MGB GT, not forgetting 4 Mini's and three Austin A's - an A30 A35 and A40, over the years.

Thanks to Graham Woods for these images.

Roger Dowding

01-17-2024, 04:21 AM

A Jensen 541 that was used by Donald Healey in 1964 - Did he have it when working with Jensen Motors on the Jensen Healey. ??

Image from Warren Kennedy archives - Warren is heavily involved with the restoration of Healey Cars - not just Austin Healey but " Healey " - pre the Austin connection.

75904

DVLA papers for the car - looking old and tattered - a bit similar to NZ Registration Papers in NZ at the time.
Paul Ward archives;
Shows the Donald Healey Motor Company as Owner in 1964 - well before the Jensen Healey project, however DHMC did use Jensen's for body building.

75905.

As an aside " Donald was a strong supporter of Jensen's and raised the issue of their financial problems when the British Government was busy supporting De Lorean and his " Car " - Back to the Future !!

Roger Dowding

01-18-2024, 04:18 AM

You need Wire Wheels for a Sprite, ask Donald Healey.

75906

and they agree.

75907

Otherwise for style go see an italian.

75908

Innocenti styled and built, they also did versions of the Mini, and other BMC/Austin cars in the 1960's - 1970's.

Allan

01-18-2024, 08:10 PM

But no wire wheels.

Roger Dowding

01-19-2024, 05:01 AM

But no wire wheels.

Indeed, the Innocenti is on the steel wheels that the Bugeye and the early MK 2 Sprites had, with the drilled centres. Later wheels were plain - no holes.
- I remember Chris White bringing his just restored Bugeye to the Rally in Rotorua around 1980 and winning the best car, most original, - he then told me later that the wheels were Austin A40 ones with the holes drilled, by him !!.

75909

The car in 1980 when it won the Concours..

Roger Dowding

01-28-2024, 04:38 AM

Most BJ8's and in fact many of the AH 3000 cars built had Wire Wheels, Steel Wheels were in the minority.

This car owned by John Rundle of Wellington for 40 years, 1969 -ish to 2009 was a rarity in the AH Club.

Came across this advert from NZ Classic Car in a 2009 issue, when John was selling the car.

Going back in History, I first saw the car and John and Anne Rundle at the AHCCNZ Rally at New Plymouth - Easter 1976.
John and President of the Club Mark Donaldson standing behind the car.

75935

The car attended many Rally's and saw it again at Rotorua in 1980, was at other events but have no photos.

Bit of an error on my part - this is not the same car - is an early 3000 with sliding windows .. Oops.
Thanks to Ross Osborne of the AHCC NZ for advising me.
Wonder whose car ?? must find out.

I do know that John and Anne attended several Rallies in Rotorua, so need to check my photos.

75936

Reading an old issue of NZ Classic Car, that I got from our local Library - would have been among the ones the I had from ERC and have passed on but don't recall it.
In the issue is a for sale advert - NZ CC September 2009.

75937

The Cover of the issue #225 of NZ CC

75938

Car is still on the plates it would have got when it came to New Zealand, as a new car in 1965.

" 1965
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: GREEN
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: DT7061
Engine No: 29KRUH5897
Chassis: HBJ8-31283
CC rating: 2,912cc (2.9l)
Fuel Type: Petrol "
Plate History from Carjam - NZTA.
" DT7061
Plate Type: Standard
Origin: NZ New
Used as: Private Passenger vehicle
Cause of Latest Registration: New
NZ First Registration: 25-Jun-1965 "

John was the 3rd owner, I wonder where it is now ?.
Last warrant on Carjam is 2014, however much recent data is not always available.

According to Ross Osborne the car is now in Christchurch.

Ross sent me these notes;
" The middle pic with the hardtop is not Johns car.

The BJ8 has been in Christchurch since John sold it.

Take care,

Ross W Osborne

Healey Registrar / Area Executive Otago/Southland

Austin-Healey Car Club of New Zealand Inc. "

Roger Dowding

01-30-2024, 07:29 AM

Car show as part of Wings and Wheels at Thames Airfield last weekend.
The AH Club had 11 cars there 10 Austin Healey's and a Jensen Healey.

Photo from John Mitchinson, my neighbour and a former Thames local - he was also at school in Kiwitahi with Ken H's older brother also John, many years ago.

Cars viewed from the front RHS. Allan Horners Toyota powered Sprite at the front.

75944

Cars from the side - Fred Fowler photo - his car " AWSTIN " a 3000 in the group.

75945

Cars from the rear LHS - Fred Fowler photo.

75946

Another event in the area is this. at Pahoia, Bay of Plenty, just off SH2
- about 3 km from Omokoroa - on a Farm at the end of the road.

A Picnic Day, - Car - Vehicle - Show for Locals. 18 February 2024
will feature Cars, Trucks, Fire Engines, and Motorcycles.

Last held in 2021 - cancelled in 2022 and in 2023 it was rained out before it could be held - hoping for better weather.

75947

Advert from the Local Paper - " The Lizard ".
The publishers are Motorcycle enthusiasts and members of the " Ulysses ' Motorcycle ' Club ".

Roger Dowding

02-07-2024, 05:35 AM

The Austin Healey 100 Six Registration VOK490 was a BMC Works car that was taken to Montlhery in France to break long distance records in 1958.

A bit of the story from Rainer Jordan. and some photos.

" " In early 1958, Gyde Horrocks of the Cambridge University Automobile Club approached Marcus Chambers about attempting to break the really long distance Class D records that Healey had never attempted.
The CUAC had already achieved similar Class G success with an Austin A35 - Chambers agreed to provide them with a car and also a team of four Abingdon mechanics.
The record attempt was sponsored by Castrol and BP supplied the fuel.
The car was a left hand drive 1957 BN4, number BN4L-O- 36131, registered VOK 490 and equipped with the six port head. It was modified by the factory to rally specifications including a strengthened chassis to cope with the poor surface of the famous, banked Montlhery circuit located just south of Paris.
A 3.9:1 rear axle ratio was also fitted and the car ran on Dunlop Racing tyres.

Drivers were: Gyde Horrocks, John Clarke, Rupert Jones, Ray Simpson, Bill Summers, Arthur Taylor, Tom Threlfall,(also drove) Marcus Chambers.

All the crew including Drivers Mechanics Timing Crew and others.
Official photographer was A G Goodchild, so presumably his photos.

75972

The car with the Drivers. - as listed above - had seen a Black and White photo - the same one.

75973

The car at a Service stop

75974

At speed during the attempt.

75975

Photo from the Bill Price Book of " The BMC / BL Competitions Department ". photo A G Goodchild

75976

Nearing the finish.

75977

There is a New Zealand connection to this in its 3000 form as was purchased by Peter Riley BMC Works Driver and is now with his son Tim Riley - It featured in an NZ Classic Driver magazine in 2015, A story on the car and also on Peter Riley his exploits and his visit to New Zealand at that time.

Milan Fistonic

02-07-2024, 08:42 AM

Fred Fowler must have upgraded to the Awstin.

75978

Roger Dowding

02-07-2024, 11:42 PM

Fred Fowler must have upgraded to the Awstin.

75978

Must send that to him, Milan, brilliant !!

Have sent Fred a copy - he appreciated it,

Cheers
Roger

Roger Dowding

02-11-2024, 04:05 AM

Some magnificent photos in this article.

67139

Picking this up from Milan's post in 2020 #1060.
Must be two articles in " Supercar Classics " Magazine from 1989. on Austin Healey and the Healey's -
A " Geoffrey Healey Interview " also features.

Have not seen the Magazine.

Recently dug out an N Z Classic Driver Magazine from 2015 Issue #60 - May - June 2015- which features two AH articles, one on VOK490 the Record Breaking LHD 100 Six, from 1958 that became a works 3000 Rally and Race Car in 1960,
As mentioned the car is in New Zealand and was owned by the late Peter Riley, and is now with his son Tim Riley.
Peter Riley was interviewed while in New Zealand to visit his son and family in 2015 by Tony Haycock for NZ Classic Driver and was met by some AH Club people including Malcolm Currie who presented Peter with an AHCCNZ Car Badge.
The interview also features in the magazine as noted on the cover.

75991

Roger Dowding

02-11-2024, 04:24 AM

Had collected other photos of the 100 Six Record Breaker the Left Hand Drive BN4 from 1957/58 that became a Right Hand Drive 3000 in 1960.
They include the Black and White photo of the Car and Drivers at the Record Attempts at Montlhery [ - spelling must check as seen it as Monthlery too. ** MontLhery is correct - known Linas - Montlhery and is located about 30km from Paris ]

Details on Wikipaedia ;
" Autodrome de Montlhéry (established 4 October 1924) is a motor racing circuit, officially called L’autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry, owned by Utac, located south-west of the small town of Montlhéry about 30 km (19 mi) south of Paris. "

Drivers were: Gyde Horrocks, John Clarke, Rupert Jones, Ray Simpson, Bill Summers, Arthur Taylor, Tom Threlfall,(also drove) Marcus Chambers.
75992

The car in later years - as the Works 3000 with Jack Sears Autograph, he drove it in a few events.

75993

The Chassis Plate form the car showing its 100 SIX Left Hand Drive heritage BN4 - a 100 Six Model L - Left hand Drive, from the NZ Classic Driver article - Tony Haycock.

75994

The car also appears on the Front Cover of the " Reverend " Rupert Jones Book, Rupert Jones was a BMC Works Driver

75995

Marcus Chambers was the head of BMC Works Team at the time of the Record Attempts and was one of the Drivers. Rupert Jones was also a Driver at the event.

Plan of the Circuit - presume that the BMC CUAC Team used the Oval version. top right, the full circuit, described here as the " Grand Circuit " is 12.5 km.

76008

Was difficult to find a map of the circuit in suitable format and size.

Roger Dowding

02-12-2024, 01:53 AM

A good group of Austin Healey cars and people at the Ellerslie Concour, and there was the Brit-Euro in Wellington.
My friend John Vevers posted around 60 photos in one group on the BLENZ Facebook page including the Austin Healey group.
Know several of the cars from my time in the club and have seen them since - a couple last year on the Grand Tour.
The Yellow 100 SIX came from Kerikeri and is now with a recent owner in Auckland as noted by Ross Cammick.
" but has recently been bought out of KeriKeri and used to belong to Tom Clark from Campbells Bay. The new owner lives in Karaka and seems very keen. "
They had 9 cars turnout for the Concour' as part of the AH Club display.

76000

The Valiant Healey - saw it in Tauranga last March, with owner Grant MacKenzie.

76001

Old Mate BMC BOY - 1959 AH 3000. a 2 Seater car, I think - checking as on wires not the Minilites that were on his car last time I saw it several years ago, and in photos from back then too !!.
Ross Cammick advises that it is his car back on the Chrome Wires and a little while ago he removed the Chrome Bootrack too.

76002

A late model 3000 a BJ8.

76003

a 1961 Tri-Carb model 3000, left hand drive - ex USA and Canada, car owned by Mark Donaldson, the founder of the AHCC in New Zealand back in 1972.

76004

The Tri-carb again with a group of AH's
- the wide wheeled and flared 100, I am wondering whose it is.?? - question now answered 13 Feb.
[ Has plate MY100.. but that does not show on Carjam. ].
Plate partly hidden - actual Plate is MY1008 and is car known as the 100 Eight [ 100/8 ] in the Austin Healey Club since the 1970's when it was first rebuilt with a V8 by Reg Whittaker, he still owns it and it went to the Concours' with BMC BOY Ross Cammick and the Red wire wheeled early 3000 in the photos.
Ross has sent me pictures of the car, which is a bit different from when I last saw it in the late 1980's - around 1990 actually.
Car no longer has the Roll Bar I remember from the mid 1970's - 80's.
- More to come on the 100 Eight.

" Year: 1954
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: RED
Body Style: Sports Car
VIN: 7AT00T07X21133829
Plate: MY1008
Engine No: COVERED
Chassis: 6253
CC rating: 5,736cc (5.7l)
Fuel Type: Petrol "

76005

A couple of Engines to follow in the next post.

Roger Dowding

02-12-2024, 02:01 AM

Austin Engine in a 100 SIX. Thought it was the " 100 SIX MM " that was once White with a Black Mille Miglia Hardtop and owned by Mark Donaldson back in the early 1970's.

Had been informed not the MHD car, however it is now [ 1st March 2024 ] listed for sale in Papakura and described as a " 1958 BN4 100 SIX MM " - Mille Miglia,
Mark's car also described as a MM Mille Miglia model - did have the plate HY1006 !.
HY1006 Plate is still on Carjam for a 1959 AH 100 Six, the car now Red, was White with Black Hardtop in the early 1970's

This car shows plate AH1006 - more work to do, as that plate does not appear on Carjam nor does AHI006 !! Wonder what the real Registration is ?? - with the car for sale on Trade Me Motors.
More to come on this 100 SIX MM have found more photos.

76006

Chrysler Engine in a 100 SIX.

76007

Can't believe everything on Carjam ..
The Valiant Healey details - 2300 cc - was 2639cc - when built as the 100 SIX, much bigger now.

" 1957
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: PURPLE
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: SN3000
Engine No: 26CUH47347
Chassis: BN4S47347
CC rating: 2,300cc (2.3l)
Fuel Type: Petrol "

More to come on the Concour and the cars.

Roger Dowding

02-13-2024, 12:47 AM

The Reg Whittaker V8 powered 1954 AH 100.

" Year: 1954
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: RED
Body Style: Sports Car
VIN: 7AT00T07X21133829
Plate: MY1008
Engine No: COVERED
Chassis: 6253
CC rating: 5,736cc (5.7l)
Fuel Type: Petrol "
Unsure what the engine is - probably a Chevrolet, think the car has had a couple of V8 motors over the years.
With Reg freshening it up in recent years the side vents have got larger and the Roll Bar has been removed.
Have ridden in the car a few times back in the 1980's at or to events with Reg and the AH Club.

The car in 1976 at New Plymouth - my photo - posted early in this thread.

76013

Feb 2024 in Auckland before the Concour'

76014

76015

76016

76017

More to come as I get the details.

Reg Whiitaker was a School Teacher in Otuau and Waiuku and responsible for the Club having the Maioro Road Otaua Hill Climbs as he knew most of the locals - taught their children and getting approval was relatively easy, then a quick application to the Frankiin District Council and the Club was set.

As noted on this thread the AHCCNZ ran the event from 1983 to 1990, and then handed it over to the MG Car Club, as we were a small Club and getting helpers proved harder as the event went on.

It is still run and as noted by ERC the MG Club, including Derek Prior and ERC in the 1990's and others more recently MGCC run a good event which now also supported by the Waitemata Branch of the VCC, after they lost the Chelsea Sugar Works event " Chelsea Walsh " in 2017.

Roger Dowding

02-13-2024, 03:59 AM

Car Show weekend - Brit-Euro Trentham, Wellington.
A busy time in two of our cities for the Healey people and many other British and European " Marque " owners.

Photos from Digby Paape the Austin Healey's at the Brit - Euro. photo of 3, 3000's one of which - the Green over Ivory car LM3000 has been around the AH Club scene since the early 1970's.

76018

76019

76020

LM3000, was originally GM171 and all BR Green when first in New Zealand, was owned by Bill Clouston and went to Les and Shirley Meggett in the mid 1970's, as GM171, with Les getting his initials on the later plate.
Car was sold a couple of years ago but still in the Wellington area

76021

Thanks Digby for the photos.
The Paape family have a strong Motoring and Motorsports heritage - father Godfrey was a founding member of the Otago Sports Car Club and an early ANZCC committee member in the late 1940's - also on the Organising Committee of the Dunedin Festival Street Races - he raced an Austin A90 Atlantic in the 1950's at Dunedin and other local " Otago " events. The A90 ran the same motor as the first of the Austin Healey cars the " 100 " BN1 and BN2 - 1953 - 56.

Roger Dowding

02-19-2024, 04:59 AM

Running rather late - a few photos from the stop-over - Night at The Armitage, Tauranga last year.

76044

76045

76046

76047

The Official Vehicle and Trailer that carried a lot of the Clubs " Stuff " - driven by Allan Horner and another AH Guy.
Here Allan left and Mark Donaldson front are sorting something out !!

76048

Finally got to download the photos today to my new laptop, and also photos from the Pahoia Car Show yesterday.
Only One Healey there Fred Fowlers 3000, which did the Grand Tour.

Fred's car at Pahoia, this year , was there last time in Feb 2021 as well.

76049

Roger Dowding

02-22-2024, 04:51 AM

The last few 100S AHS3905 to AHS3910 were delivered to various owners in July and August 1955.
AHS3905 through Larke Hoskins Sydney, 3906, and 3907 went to Australia as did AHS3909, to Austin in Melbourne
AHS3908 came to New Zealand, through Austin New Zealand to Seabrook Fowlds and the last car AHS3910 went to Sweden.

AHS3906
Taken at South Wharf, Port Melbourne (opposite GMH plant) in late 1955, this photo of 3906 after it had been unloaded from the ship was taken by Robert Jones of Corowa and passed to Jim McConville. It is the earliest known photograph of the car. archive Ivo Visser.

76072

AHS3908
Ross Jensen in the 1956 New Zealand Grand Prix meeting archive Clas Arleskar

76073

AHS3908
Harvey Kibble of Wellington with the car in 1970 at the Alexander Road Hill Climb Car has full windscreen and as noted the grille does not look right. the car had been raced and damaged for many years by then.
Origin of the photo not known, It does appear in the Allan Dick article in NZ Classic Driver issue #70 Jan-Feb 2017.

76074

Owners of the car after Ross Jensen, were Graham Pierce then many owners including Frank Wilkin who had a " heavy road accident " the to Ivan Cranch, Auckland Car Club President in 1960/61, carried out the repairs including the " New " grille.
Later owners were Peter Sullivan, P Crocker, Glen Hunt, then Dexter Dunlop and Harvey Kibble.

Glen Hunt, wrote this story recently about his time with the car.
the article was a post on the Fb group Austin Healey 100S.

" Hi I’m Glenn Hunt one of the previous owners of the AHS 3908 and after reading your article thought you might be interested in a couple of my experiences with the car.
I owned the car in the early ‘70’s when I was 19.
I entered a Wellington car club hill climb at Log Whare hill near Hunterville and I remember my legs turning to jelly as I began my first start.
I never got out of first gear for that hill climb because you could get up to 60 mph in first! I think I got 2nd overall that day.
Another memory is on a drive from Bulls to Wellington- I used 44 gallons of fuel - I was rather fortunate my father owned a gas station!
On another trip to Hawkes Bay I was travelling along the Takapau plains passing 4 or 5 cars when I noticed a traffic officer parked in a farmers gateway - as I zoomed by his head turned as if he were watching a tennis match!! I quickly turned up a side road, lit a cigarette and waited! He soon zoomed past with his siren going. I think I was doing 120 mph. He was in a Holden - top speed around 85mph! "

Roger Dowding

02-25-2024, 07:09 AM

George Lawton, from Northland, was a regular competitor with Northland Car Club, in his Austin Healey 100 SIX, and also ran a Cooper T39 Bobtail around 1959/60, he raced the Healey in 1957 and on after that.

Have seen photos of George in the Healey at Puhipuhi Hill Climb run by NCC and also with his Cooper.

John Windelburn, was another NCC, NSCC, ACC and Pukekohe CC competitor and worked on the Healey. John recently sent me this photo of the car - emerging from his workshop. undated but was before he took it to the South Island for the racing there. Car has the 1956 - 61 plates on it [ AH 100 Six were released in 1957, and George went to Europe in 1960 ].

76085

The car at Puhipuhi Road Hill Climb, also from John Windelburn archives;

76086

The Healey and the Cooper from Graham Woods archives - photographer not known. - posted before.

76087

As is known George Lawton was sadly killed in an accident at Roskilde Circuit in Denmark in the year he arrived in Europe the 1960.
" born 14 Jan 1939 Wellington; died 10 Sep 1960 Roskilde, "

Brian Skudder of NCC wrote a short history / tribute to George Lawton back in 2010 for the Northland Car Club.

a link to the history ;

" https://www.ncc.org.nz/index_htm_files/BRIAN%20SKUDDER_lawton%20story_updated.pdf "

hope it works.

Roger Dowding

02-26-2024, 12:41 AM

Back to past and a visit to a Wreckers Yard in Eugene, Oregon 31st August 1982.

Foreign Parts West, was full of Old British Cars, Austin Healeys, Jaguars [ had an XK120 Jaguar on the roof ]Triumphs and others.

76092

Some Triumphs - where the new [ secondhand ] bonnet for my TR4A came from - probably off one of these !.

76093

The Austin Healey Pile - lots stacked up. Ross Cammick photo.
Myself with Bryan and Brenda Harris, the " Four Kiwi's in a Kombi ".

76094

The Wrecking Yard closed a few years ago, according to an Austin Healey [ and Jaguar ] Mate in Salem Oregon, Jerry Luidahl. I would image that Bob had well and truly retired by then.

2699 Prairie Road, Eugene, is now a transport and storage area with containers and Machinery on the site.

Post #224 has the montage of photos as in the Album done in 1982/83 after the Big Trip to the USA and UK.

The Memory was jogged by this photo from John Vevers an Austin / BMC / BL guy.

definitely Healey and TR memory Lane.

76095

Roger Dowding

02-26-2024, 07:25 AM

More " borrowed " photos. AHS3907 was imported into Australia along with AHS3906 that went to Stan Jones, father of Grand Prix Formula One driver Alan Jones, Stan won the first Ardmore - NZ Grand Prix in 1954 in his Maybach Racer.

AHS3907 in the pit area - Fishermans Bend Race Track Melbourne .. so not at Albert Park, ?
the site of the Australian Grand Prix
A different event to the Programme below - same driver but different Race number

Photos Ivo Visser.

76097

Moomba Races - an event I didn't know of - at Albert Park, Melbourne.
The cover of the Programme - March 11th 1956.

76098

The Entry lists and a photo of #43.

76099

AHS3908 with Ross Jensen was at Albert Park in 1956 too !!.
The Grand Prix meeting in November 1956,

With those 60.608 plates on.

76100

Here at the refueling Depot of " SHELL " - the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum Company, of days gone by.

76101

The above photo appeared in the NZ Classic Driver story on the car by Allan Dick, as part of a montage on the inside cover. Issue #70 from 2017.

The Stan Jones car AHS3906 #42 with the feature car AHS3907 beside #43.

76096

Roger Dowding

03-02-2024, 10:52 PM

Austin Healey 100 SIX MM - Mille Miglia.

The car was the Ellerslie Concour recently and I was advised it had recently come to be in Auckland.
It is now for sale - and from photos provided has the " Hardtop " that part of the " MM " model variant.

- The photos are from Trade Me - Motors.
Interestingly there are half a dozen " Big " Healeys for sale at the moment all 6 Cylinder and ranging from 1959 to 1963 models so 100 SIX and early - mid model 3000's BN7 and BJ7.

76122

The car with the Hardtop fitted - in White, and in the Wet..

76123

On a better day,

76124

The Interior

76125

Two of the other cars for sale are ;
" XY4034 " a 1963 BJ7, originally Left Hand Drive " HBJ7l21965 " in Metallic Blue over Ivory/White
- XY plate issued in 1999.
Have realised this is the ex Allan Horner car that he sold a year or two ago, - my photos on this thread from June 2020 at Caffeine and Classics.
Allan still has his Twincam [ Toyota powered ] Sprite with the modified nose that he does Targa and Classic Trial racing.
and
" 63BJ7 " also a 1963 BJ7 " HBJ7L207978 " also originally LHD in Red. First Reg in NZ in 1997
6

Roger Dowding

03-03-2024, 03:45 AM

" " XY4034 " a 1963 BJ7, originally Left Hand Drive " HBJ7l21965 " in Metallic Blue over Ivory/White
- XY plate issued in 1999.
Have realised this is the ex Allan Horner car that he sold a year or two ago, - my photos on this thread from June 2020 at Caffeine and Classics. "

The photos from Trade Me Motors, in Christchurch now Feb/Mar 2024.

76126

76127

76128

Under the Bonnet.

76129

The interior

76130

One of my photos from C and C Smales Farm June 2020.

76131

Roger Dowding

03-06-2024, 04:06 AM

UOC741 The first 6 cylinder Rally/Race Car.

This 100 SIX was described as " The first of the standard-bodied sixes, UOC741, was to become the link between the Warwick-built competition cars and the Abingdon-built rally cars.
Originally prepared and developed for competition use at Warwick [ DHMC - Donald Healey Motor Company - The Cape, Warwick. ] at the instigation of DMH's old friend, Tommy Wisdom, it subsequently went to Abingdon to become the first of their rally Healey's. UOC741 incorporated the 100S strengthening gussets and larger rear dampers, " quote from the Geoff Healey book - " Austin Healey - The Specials "

Austin's publicity department had used the car as a promotional vehicle - as seen with this photo.

76144

The cars first event was the 1957 Mille Miglia, where it appeared with a cut down windscreen - seen here at Scrutineering with Co Driver Cecil Winby - photo by George Phillips for Autosport Magazine taken at Brescia 1957.
Driver was Tommy Wisdom, a long time friend of Donald Healey and had co-written the first book on the marque " The Austin Healey " published in 1959.

76145

The Car leaving the startline - Entry #414.

76146

The car at the finish, crossing the line. The car had already competed in the Sestriere Rally in March 1957 with his daughter Ann - Ann Wisdom went on the be Pat Moss' Navigator / Co-driver for the BMC Works Team in Austin Healey's, Morris Minors and various Austin Saloons, A40 Farina's A90 and A95's et al.
" Tommy competed with the same car in the Mille Miglia race with Cecil Winby. They won their class and finished 37th out of the field of 365 cars. "
quote - - " The story of the Big Healeys " Geoffrey Healey. "

76147

The car Rally prepared, here in England prior to the Monte Carlo Rally of January 1958

as noted " And so to 1958 and the Monte Carlo Rally, for which Wisdom's Mille Miglia car was prepared to be driven by Tommy himself " .. " atrocious weather conditions. Ice and snow were feet deep on the roads, especially on the route from Paris, from which the ' 100 Six ' started. Almost the entire Paris entry of nearly 90 cars foundered during the first hours of the run, and Wisdom .. was no exception. "
quote - " The Austin Healey " Donald Healey - Tommy Wisdom. "

76148

The car appears to be a medium colour " Blue " over White or Ivory but was in fact Two shades of Green.

The only colour photos I can find are very blurry and the colours not clear.
However, my 1;43 scale Corgi Model shows the two greens, Spruce Green over Florida Green - I have been told recently.

76149

The other model has a connection as is URX727 which was one of the Big Healeys, a 3000 rallied by Pat Moss and Ann Wisdom as well as others from the BMC Team

More to come on UOC741 and its BMC Team and Private Entrant Rally History.

Roger Dowding

03-10-2024, 10:01 PM

Austin Healey 100 SIX - UOC741 a bit more.

The 1958 TULPEN Rally [ Tulip ] Jack Sears and Peter Garnier.

76176

an unknown driver and event - Race no #107, but who, where, when ??

76177

By 1960 the car was in private ownership, and here in the 1960 RAC Rally 21st - 26th November driven by P [ Peter ? ] Smith and G Bryant. Car No #5.

76178

A Tulpen - Tulip - Rally Car Plaque, from another Big Healey BMC Entry, PMO202 in 1959, of Pat Moss and Ann Wisdom
- [ later Ann Riley, married to works driver Peter Riley. ].

76179

A Minimodels 1;43 Scale model of UOC741 in its Monte Carlo Rally guise 1958 #264 Tommy Wisdom and J Hay. - see previous post. Gives those unusual colours Green over Green.

76180

Roger Dowding

03-22-2024, 02:20 AM

Garage sign from; Warrens Auto Service, 212 Lee St, Kingsland, Georgia USA - archive Ray Donovan

76219

Roger Dowding

03-22-2024, 02:32 AM

The car built by DHMC was entered at Le Mans in 1953 Race #33, it had issues and the entry was the car SPL226B which had the plate NOJ393, however, DHMC put the NOJ391 plates on the car as it had been cleared through scrutineering.

The two NOJ391 cars at Le Mans. the lower picture is actually SPL226B - NOJ393
Note the standard solution to getting heat from the engine compartment - the slightly raised rear edge of the bonnet. My 100 was like that from 1984 onwards, - purchased in 1983. longer bolts on the bonnet latch with spacers.

76220

No #33 and the two entered cars #33 and #34 with the Nash Healey entries

76221

NOJ391 at Goodwood later in 1953

76222

NOJ391 on display at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show.

76223

The car was rebodied - modified to be a 100S, with the Oval Grille Central Fuel Filler and other 100S mods - Disc Brakes etc.

Roger Dowding

03-24-2024, 01:15 AM

The accident damage that occurred during practice - before the swap of number plates with onto NOJ393 to enter the 1953 Le Mans Race. Robert Visser archives.

76229

NOJ391 at another event - details not known but before it became a 100S. SPL224B. Ivo Visser archives

76230

Another couple of photos of NOJ391 at Goodwood on 22nd August 1953. Rainer Jordan archives
At speed on track.

76231

In the pits around the time of an earlier photo posted. R Jordan arch.

76232

Roger Dowding

05-08-2024, 04:17 AM

Car has recently come up for sale and the sellers is in Malta - a long
way from its original base in the 1950s and into the 2010's - saw it at a Queensland AH Club Show in 2015.

a couple of photos posted by the seller.

76466

76467

Car has been for sale a few times in the past - unsuccessfully for a while but apparently sold in 2019.

My own photo from the Scarborough QLD event.

76468

The car after its first rebody - after a big accident.
The body is made by " Ausca " and the body style has been seen on a few Australian Specials.
photo from Peter Linn archives and appeared in a " Healey Factory " - Melbourne story on the car a few years ago

76469

Roger Dowding

05-14-2024, 03:50 AM

As mentioned on the Matamata thread the " Ruddspeed " 3000 raced there both years and was [ thanks to Milan's note ]
- a 4000 - the A125 engine.
The restoration is being done as the car was at Ardmore in the 1961 NZ International Grand Prix meeting.

The Car readied for Ardmore with Race #122 - posted before - a new copy of the image.

76496

The car at Matamata in 1964 with the 4000cc motor - photo from the Morrie Given - Scott - Given archives.
- posted on the Matamata thread.

76497

Recent photos of the restoration from Myles Hicks.

76498

76499

Another photo has emerged of the " Ruddspeed " from 1966 - coming in a new post.

Another restoration of a known AH Sprite is now complete after 4 years - photos to follow.

Roger Dowding

05-14-2024, 04:00 AM

Brett Young " faminz " in this group, has completed the restoration of the Sprite he owned many years ago and bought back - in the early 1980's it was with Phil Ganley, wife of Denis Ganley [ Howdens brother ]. Car is a 1959 model Chassis No. AN5 21031.

At Eastbourne, Wellington last weekend.

76500

76501

76502

" 1959
Make: AUSTIN
Model: SPRITE
Colour: WHITE
Body Style: Sports Car
VIN: 7A80T1W0798521031
Plate: XE2121
Engine No: 9CUH20491
Chassis: AN521031
CC rating: 948cc (0.9l)
Fuel Type: Petrol "
Car has been in NZ since 1992 - according to this - would have had a 5 yearly plate 1961 -64/65 when first registered.
" Plates History
Plate Effective Date
XE2121 29-Jun-1998
BD5874 02-Oct-1962 "

Classic Car Portraits images of the 1958 - 1961 Sprite - later known as the Mark One,but more often as - depending on which side of the Atlantic a Bugeye or Frogeye.

76503

Roger Dowding

05-14-2024, 10:42 PM

The AH has the A125 Motor and is now 4200cc, up from 3993cc, the size in an Austin Princess.

76512

The entry list for the Race - a couple of cars have already passed, well one you can just see the tail.
The Ruddspeed taking a wide line through the Elbow.
Roger Smith, David Oxton #38 and Trevor Sheffield - the Daimler SP250 trio.

76513

both images from Graham Woods archives - photographer not known, - would be taken from the Stables, maybe on the steps.

Roger Dowding

05-19-2024, 10:21 PM

X224 - one of the eXperimental cars that Donald Healey Motor Company built.
As is known Healey used a few different engines in his " own " cars - Riley 2.4 litre hi cam 4, the Nash 6, the Austin 4 and 6 cylinder motors in the " Big " Healey's and the 948 - 1098 and 1275 " BMC " A Series motors in Sprites.

One of the more unusual Healeys was X224 - powered by a 2.5 litre Ferrari Motor,

A little of the - story - notes from Rainer Jordan.
There is information on the car in the Geoffrey Healey Book " Healey - The Specials ".

" Nassau Trophy 8.12.1957
4th Annual International Bahamas Speed Weeks
(Race 15 - Nassau Trophy race), Oakes Course, Nassau
Grid: Le Mans start , Started: 42 , Distance: 250 miles
Results:
10th #18 Peter Collins (GB) Austin-Healey Ferrari Special X224 1th [ 1st ] Class: D
23rd #16 Phil Stiles (USA) Austin-Healey 100M 4th Class: D
26th #11 David Darrin (USA) Austin-Healey 100 5th Class: D
30th #46 Hugh Sutherland (CDN) Austin-Healey 100S AHS 3805
6th Class: D
From the 12-hour Florida International Grand Prix of Endurance on March 23, 1957 to the December 8, 1957 Nassau Speed Weeks, either car #24 or #25 was selected for an experiment.
Peter Collins was a good friend of Donald Healey and he suggested a use of a Short distance 2,5 litre Ferrari four-cylinder Grand Prix Engine. A Ferrari gear box and the Rear (de Dion) Suspension and trans-axle from the Ferrari 625F1 were installed.
In late-1955 the Ferrari 625F1 was purchased Donald Healey. X224, that was the code given to Donald and Geoffs’ project to fit the 2.5 Ltr. four cylinder engine and trans-axle from the Ferrari 625 into a modified Austin Healey 100 chassis.
The Ferrari engine developed 210BHP using petroleum spirit, down from the 240 BHP that it developed when using Methanol " "

The car at Nassau in 1957

76524

The car was later raced with an Austin 6 motor as well as the Ferrari 4 cylinder.
It ran at Nassau again in 1959 - more details to come but this is known about the Nassau 1959 Event- Bahamas Speed Week. A very popular Event that Chevrolet sent 3 Grand Sport Corvette Special Bodied C2 Corvettes to in 1963

" Nassau Trophy 29.11.1959
My posts about the Bonneville record runs and Streamline race participation end here.
A long-term solution with the Ferrari engine as an alternative was not possible due to some problems because the combination Ferrari engine and Austin Healey Cassis did not work well together.
For example, the ground clearance with a full tank and the (de Dion) rear suspension was zero, so that the exhaust dragged on the ground.
The Ferrari 2.5l engine was also more suitable for short distances and consumed a lot of oil.
So for 1959 it was decided to use the newly designed and prepared Austin Healey 100-six engine for racing.
Transaxle and rear end were removed from the car and X224 was rebuilt using a six cylinder Austin engine and transmission.
It was heavier than the Ferrari engine, but the car did about 175 mph and was better suited for the upcoming stages than with the Ferrari engine.

Nassau Trophy 29.11.1959
6th Annual International Bahamas Speed Weeks
Preliminary race Nassau Tourist Trophy +2000 ccm
Track: Oakes Field Course, Nassau (Bahamas), 7.242 km
Result:
2nd #73 Roy Salvadori (GB) Austin-Healey 100-6 X224, 1st in Class D GT

In the 5-lap race for larger GT cars, Stirling Moss in a private Aston Martin DB4GT beat Roy Salvadori’s special-bodied Austin-Healey 100-Six. "

Notes on the photo below:
" The X224 Streamliner at the Nassau Speedweek in 1959. The car was driven by Roy Salvadori who is pictured standing behind the car Roger Menadue work at the front wheel. "

76525

Roger Dowding

05-19-2024, 11:39 PM

Reims [ Rheims ] Race Circuit has been used over the years in various iterations as shown in previous posts, from an Oval to other closed tracks and then the longer circuits that went through the local town.
The Circuits are known as Circuit Reims - Gueux.

In 1956 AHS3810 Race #1 was entered and driven - by Raymond Flowers and Colin Davis and came 8th, in 1957 the car had Race #13 and was a DNF. AHS3810 was a customer car with the Lobelia Blue and Ivory / White paintwork.

Photos from Rainer Jordan archives with notes from Ivo Visser. - the 1956 Race.

76526

76527

76528

Chassis and Engine number details of the Special Test Cars.

76529

OON441 the other entrant in 1957 alongside AHS3810.
In the Pits - along with other Competitors, before the Start ;- two different photos

76530

76531

A couple more photos to follow

Roger Dowding

05-20-2024, 12:14 AM

The last two photos [ so far ] of OON441

76532

76533

Another photo of AHS3810 - at the start of the 12 hour Race in 1956 Car Race #1, A night / evening start, for a Daytime finish.

76534

Roger Dowding

05-23-2024, 12:03 AM

Entry Lists for the " Sports Car Race " at Wigram - 1959 to 1963.
Austin Healey - the AH 100 and 100S feature including an I G Johnstone in a 100 - 4 cylinder, along with the Fred Losee - E Joss Tims 100S, the Seabrook Jensen Pierce 100S and some others.

1959;

76541

1960; Tims in a 100 before he got the Fred Losee 100S AHS3802

76542

1961; Tims in the ex Fred Losee 100S

76543

1962;

76544

1963; E D Candy in the recently acquired - ex Geoff Mardon 100, that became the Healey Corvette when owned by Arthur Kennard - Corvette engine and other mods done in 1957

76545

Ray Bell

05-24-2024, 11:45 AM

I'm amazed that anyone would put the 4-litre truck engine into a Healey...

It was heavy enough in 2.6-litre 4-cylinder form, but as a six it must have been awfully bulky as well as impossibly heavy.

Roger Dowding

05-26-2024, 09:47 PM

I'm amazed that anyone would put the 4-litre truck engine into a Healey...

It was heavy enough in 2.6-litre 4-cylinder form, but as a six it must have been awfully bulky as well as impossibly heavy.

Totally agree,

A photo of the two engines has appeared on this thread - Here it is again - from the copy I posted for you Ray ..

76562

The Ruddspeed and the burnt-out A95 - when Gavin and Myles Hicks first got the Cars about 20 years ago. - must go back and check on the story.
The McLaughlin Brothers were often both running a Healey, one the Ruddspeed 3000-/4000, and the other a Sprite

76561

The " Ruddspeed " 3 litre Engine went into the Austin A95 which got burnt out

More to come on these cars, restoration is continuing as mentioned

Roger Dowding

05-29-2024, 07:02 AM

A couple more Austin Healeys from the archives of Dominic O'Donnell.

One " Big ",

76579

One - small and Spritely,

76580

One - non Austin - Healey,

76581

and One AH with another " A " and MG-A.

Wonder if they are still around today.

Will find and add Drivers names later.

76582

Roger Dowding

06-01-2024, 06:15 AM

Maybe you need the thread title changed Roger - Austin Healeys! There's enough material around to keep it going. I'm sure Steve could manage that for you - though he is busy.

ERC wrote this back on 17th March 2016.
We did get the title changed and the Thread lives on with over 800,000 views - long to catch up with ERC's " Mix of Picks " at over 2 Million.

In Australia at the moment in the place where the thread was created - " Bribie Island " - in 2015.

Going up to see the Guy in this picture from the AHOCQ [ AH Owners Club Queensland ] Show and Shine.

Posting again - brother in law Clive [ in Yellow cap ] was my companion at Lakeside too !! 2011 - 2016.

76611

Roger Dowding

06-18-2024, 04:22 AM

Have seen many of these style of drawings and " Classiccarportraits " have a whole series of English Cars from Austin Healey to Triumph and many others.

Came across these recently - a set of three Austin Healey cars - there was a set of Triumph cars too ! a TR4, TR5 and TR6.

Here A H 100 in Hardtop/ Coupe guise and Soft top guise and a 100 SIX.

AH 100 Coupe

76705

AH 100 M - top down

76706

AH 100 SIX 100/6

76707

A set of the " Classiccarportraits ".

AH 100. BN1

76708

AH 100 M BN2

76709

AH 100 SIX 100/6

76710

Roger Dowding

06-25-2024, 04:44 AM

Recent photos of the car AHS3601 R - recreation of the first 100S despatched in late 1955, to arrive in New Zealand in early 1956.
The 11th car in the production range that started with AHS3501 - the Briggs Cunningham car.

Photos taken at Highlands Park Motor Museum and Race Track. - kindly sent to me by Alister Rayner - the current owner.

76753

76754

76755

The Original AHS3601 outside Vickery Motors in 1956.

76756

Image in the booklet produced by Derek Mayor - the owner of AHS3601 R in the early 2000's in the UK.

Roger Dowding

07-04-2024, 04:44 AM

AN5L758 is a very early car and back in 1978 was thought to be the Oldest in existence
- It was in daily use at that time when [ Tony ] Anthony van de Water owned it having bought it in 1973.
Tony still owns it, and today, he sent me a set of pictures of it being restored and as it now looks.

It has a few modifications - the wider wheels, the single bar Roll bar among them.
The car being an early one has a simpler chassis especially around the radiator and front wheel area.
Early cars also had the row of studs to fit the front of the soft top - later changed as was not waterproof especially when windy or driving fast !!
Great to see the original features retained.

A couple of photos during restoration - largely finished - painted but no components installed.

76771

76772

The car as finished recently.

76773

76774

76775

The car at Ardmore in January 1989 the " Reunion " The - " Classic Motor Races ". It is in the second row.
In good company with Mark Donaldson BN2, 100 which he still owns and the late Steve Hill in his Red AN5. - my own photo.

76776

Car did appear during the " 50th Anniversary Grand Tour " at Nelson / Blenheim, near where Tony lives in April 2023.

Details of the Car from Carjam - I had forgotten it had the LHD symbol in the Chassis Number AN5L758

" Year: 1958
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALY
Colour: WHITE
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate:ⓘ BS4308
Engine No:ⓘ N/A
Chassis:ⓘ AN5L758
CC rating:ⓘ 1,000cc (1.0l)
Fuel Type:ⓘ Petrol "

Car has been in NZ since 1962. although it says Registered Previously Overseas " No " it was somewhere, USA or Europe.

" Plate:ⓘ BS4308
Plate Type: Standard
Origin: NZ New
Used as: Private Passenger vehicle
Cause of Latest Registration: New
NZ First Registration: 29-Oct-1962
NZ Last Registration: Get Report
Was Registered Overseas? No "

Think this is when Tony purchased the Car in 1973.
" 1973-Sep-06 As at Change of Owner
13 /day
- Odometer reading Miles - 81,423 "

Roger Dowding

07-10-2024, 03:33 AM

42 years a group of Kiwi's headed off in mid July for Los Angeles
- we were a group of 5 leaving from Auckland, one was a Wellington guy, who flew up to Auckland to travel together.
At the same time another pair left from Auckland separately and another couple AHCCNZ members were returning from Europe. Another of the 10 Kiwi's at the event was already in BC Canada ready for the Big Drive.

Photos of the event, images of maps of journeys, articles from the Booklet issued after the event have appeared on these pages.
Many of the attendees, including American Australian Canadian and English are still in touch - through various Austin Healey groups and privately.

Checking through my archives, I came across an Email - with photo's that I had forgotten about.
The photo is from 2014, not 1982, but shows some people who were at Snowmass and were also visited by 4 of the group of 5, when we stayed in the USA after Snowmass and travelled from Los Angeles down to San Diego, into Mexico and then did the West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver, Washington State and Vancouver BC Canada.

A very Austin Healey group are here, having dinner with John and Vicki Chatham at a house they rent in Carmel every year or so.
Image from the archives of Mark Donaldson - he is in the photos. Mark was at Snowmass and was the co-ordinator for the Kiwi's who went, making arrangements through Hans Nohr to get rides for the 5 from Ventura LA to Snowmass and back, sharing seats in Austin Healey's and a Lincoln owned by one of the Healey guys.

Americans Kiwi's and Australians in the photo taken by an English person.
Terry Cowan [ San Diego ] the late John Wilson [ Oregon ] Steve Kirby, at back [ from ? - I don't know him ] Jan McLaren [ NZ ] Helen Pike [ Australia ] Mark Donaldson [ NZ ] Steve Pike [ Australia ].

76801

John Wilson son Robert was also there at another time with Jan Mark and others.
Robert was John Wilson partner in the business " Healey Lane Restorations " based in Oregon, and now runs it.

76802

The Trailer that Healey Lane uses to transport " Austin Healey " cars.

76803

Remembering a great trip and that the AH community has lost a number of attendees in recent years.
from New Zealand Craig Swift - the guy from Wellington Bernie Huynen [ part of the couple returning from Europe, John Wilson and his wife Shirley Wilson from Oregon, in recent years Walt Glendenning from Ventura / Oxnard California the Original owner of " Absolutely British " who had a motorcycle accident in 1988. Ken H knew Walt and the current owner of " Absolutely British " Eric Grunden.
There are others, these are the ones I know. RIP.

" Absolutely British " the Logo over the years from 1981, 1982 and recently, well 2015.
- Ken H wrote a letter with this letterhead in 2015 to me.

76804

76805

76806

Roger Dowding

07-14-2024, 02:55 AM

Production Sprites started at Chassis AN5-501, AN5L758 was built between 22 April 1958 and 28th April and sold to a dealer in Canada. hence the " L " in the Chassis number - Left hand drive.

The car came to New Zealand in October 1962 [ Registered 29 October 1962 ] to a lady in Hamilton, and would have had a Black numbers on Yellow background plate until it got BS4308, in June-July 1964 which it still has today.

Between 1962 and 1973 it had 15 owners before Anthony van de Water purchased it in 21 October 1973. Anthony owns to this day and as mentioned has recently had it sympathetically restored, retaining some featured added over the years - the wider drilled steel wheels and the single hoop Roll Bar.

Anthony has the Original NZ Registration Papers still, and the British Leyland " BL Heritage Limited " Certificate of details obtained in July 1982. The Certificate states " specification - LHD, North American export" - " date despatched 28 April 1958 to ( dealer ) Canada.

76811

The NZ Registration Papers;

76812

76813

Anthony would like to find photos of the car Racing before he bought it in 1973, and specifically when owned by Tony Gordon Ward of Chadwick Road Tauranga, a member of the Tauranga Car Club.
In my Programme archive T G Ward raced the car at Pukekohe the NSCC meeting 26th February 1966 with Race #192.
He was entered in Race 5. - the cars capacity was listed as 980cc.

Tony has also raced the car including at the " Country Gents meeting at Wigram in 1987.

Seen here in #139 just ahead of Clarrie Berryman in #146 another Sprite.

76814

Any photos of the Car racing would be appreciated to pass on to Anthony.

Cover of the February 1966 NSCC meeting Programme

76815

Roger Dowding

08-21-2024, 12:57 AM

Andy [ bce257 ], the Lawton Healey, I am not sure, but with your permission will send these pics to Mark Donaldson, the founder and now Historian for AHCC New Zealand,

thanks

Roger D..

Just going back over the thread and have now, finally, put the details together BT768 is " 422*533 " in 1956 -61 plates - the George Lawton car. There I was advising to contact Mark Donaldson and now realise you knew him anyway.
My excuse is that at the time of the posts #137 etc I was living in Queensland, 2 hours and many years behind.

Cheers Roger.

This car.

76882

At John Windelburn's Garage - picture recently from John.

76883

The " Puhipuhi Road " photo again - the Northland Car Club Hill Climb.

76884

Roger Dowding

10-13-2024, 12:12 AM

An Austin Healey 100 cometing at the Ngutuwera Road Hill Climb - near Waitotara in Taranaki, close the border with the Manuwatu - Whanganui region.
Number plates are the 1951 - 1956 issue. so photos from 1953 [ at earliest ] to mid 1956.

Does anyone know of these events.

77142

77143

Rainer Jordan found the photos and put them on an Austin Healey group page.
Would like to find out more.

Have established that the driver / owner was Dr Graham Cowie and the Car still exists. It is currently in Dunedin with the owner who is a neighbour of the Austin Healey Clubs " Registrar " Ross W Osborne.
hopefully more information can be found.

*** A bit more. about the Healey and its owner/driver.

" The two pics you sent are from Doctor Graham Bruce Alistair Cowie’s book, Yesterdays Motoring (1991).

The Ngutuwera Hill Climb was run by the Wanganui Car Club.

Cowie competed in many motorsport events in the Manawatu and beyond in the four years he owned the car.

These events included Ohakea in 1955 & 1956 as evidenced by the endpapers in Graham Vercoe's Historic Racing Cars of NZ " .
There is mention also in " sergent.com.au " of results of various Events.
- According to " Wanganui Car Club " Fb page the Club was Established in 1955.

Must try to source a copy of the Book " Yesterdays Motoring (1991). " by Dr Cowie.
An image of the Cover.

77188

Have also been sent an " edited " - as in tidied up version of the photo by Chris Denby who is currently helping with Peter Bruins huge archive of photos.

The C Denby edited copy.

77171

Roger Dowding

10-29-2024, 01:47 AM

" The Jensen 541 is an automobile which was produced by Jensen Motors from 1954 to 1959. It was first exhibited at the London Motor Show in October 1953,[4] and production started in 1954.

The 541 used fibreglass bodywork mounted on a steel chassis and was fitted with a straight-six engine, three SU carburettor version of the 4-litre Austin engine and four speed transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive.

The body consisted of three major mouldings and the entire front was rear hinged and could be raised for engine access. The doors were aluminium. Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs with a Panhard rod located rigid axle and leaf springs at the rear. A choice of wire spoked or steel disc wheels with centre lock fitting was offered.[3] At first the car had servo assisted 11 in (279 mm) drum brakes but from 1956, the newly introduced 541 Deluxe version featured Dunlop disc brakes both front and rear—the first British four seater thus equipped.

It was also a luxurious car with the well equipped interior featuring leather seats as standard. The individual seats in front separated by a high transmission tunnel and the rear seats had a small centre armrest and could also be tilted forwards to increase luggage space. Standard colours (1955) were black, ivory, imperial crimson, moonbeam grey, Boticelli blue, deep green and Tampico beige.[3]

By employing lightweight materials, Jensen managed to make the car significantly lighter than their contemporary Interceptor model, with a dry weight of 1,220 kg (2,690 lb) as against the older design's 1,370 kg (3,020 lb).[4] Performance benefitted.

In 1957 the 541 R was introduced, and in 1960 the 541 S arrived with wider bodywork and revised grill styling. Production of the Jensen 541 ended in 1959 and the 541 S early 1963 when the range was replaced by the C-V8. "

When the Austin Healey Car Club ran our Hill Climb at Otaua in the 1980's a couple of Jensens turned up to spectate. One was owned by a Mate of Reg Whittaker who was the " Man on the Ground " in Otaua, being a Waiuku Boy born and bred, and a local schoolteacher, was living in Bothwell Park Road which is the next road over from Maioro Rd.
As has been mentioned Reg organised the " toilet " for the day, not a portaloo, but a genuine " Longdrop " .. don't think OSH would permit such things today.

Those Jensens ;.

64362

The CV8

64363

The Longdrop by Reg of Waiuku - R.O.W - known as that and it was his initials to Reginald Orton Whittaker.
Chris Watson in his TR5 races past.

64364

As an aside ; A group of Healeyites all past and some present members of the Austin Healey Car Club of New Zealand Inc - were at Manfield for the Classic Races last weekend.

This was sent to me by BMC BOY

64365

Left to right;
BMC BOY Ross, Standing ; Chris White [ former racer ] Reg of Waiuku, Frank Karl AH 3000 and F5000 Racer, Barry Moon former Ford Escort and Austin Healey Racer. - drinking Orange Juice too !!.

Ross - Thanks for the photo. Great to see some Old mates.. Think I am one of the oldest though, at 72, Chris is 70, You are way younger, not sure about Frank and Reg, Barry about my age !! If he is not my apologies.
No doubt You and Barry would have caught up with John McKechnie and others. !!

Just came across this post again ;

" When the Austin Healey Car Club ran our Hill Climb at Otaua in the 1980's a couple of Jensens turned up to spectate. One was owned by a Mate of Reg Whittaker who was the " Man on the Ground " in Otaua, "

The owner of the Jensen CV8, got in touch with me recently, after seeing an Austin engined Jensen post - He is Bill Muirson, who is also into large Austin Saloons - with the 4 litre Six and other cars. haven't seen or spoken to Bill since those Hill Climb days, and have discovered he is still in touch with Reg Whittaker of 100 - 8 fame, hope to catch up with soon, as he lives in Tauranga.

Bill advised me that he came to run the Jensen CV8, but with the huge motor the Scrutineers were not happy to let him run.. Many " competitors " were not regular racers and got an on the day Competition Licence, so that may have been a factor.

Roger Dowding

10-30-2024, 01:15 AM

" SN3000 " is the " Valiant - Healey " by name was owned by Bernie Huynen for many years in the 1970's - 1990's.
It was powered by an Australian Chrysler Valiant 225 cubic inch slant Six motor under Bernie's ownership and attended many AH Club events in New Zealand and other events Hill Climbs and Races by other groups.

When the car was sold an owner tried to fit a V8 to the car but had major difficulties with " Compliance ".
As a result the current owner, who has had the car for many years restored / rebuilt it with a " Compliant " Valiant 6 motor.
Car has a Kilmartin built replacement chassis but the body panels, wide Chromed Mag wheels and most other components are from the original Valiant build.

Current owner Grant MacKenzie was responsible for its rebuild into it current form and uses the car, attending Car Shows and doing the Austin Healey Car Club of New Zealand - " 50th Anniversary Grand Tour " in March April 2023.
Recently the car appeared at a Classics Meeting at Hukeranui North of Whangarei - a swap meet where Grant said " with the classic car club 90% left hand drive " vehicles, this photo form Kyran Maher appeared on " Classic Cars and Wrecks page with photos of an MGB, some Falcons [ Australian ] and several US Trucks and Cars.

77193

Car looks a bit different to this photo [ my own ] from 1984 at Napier for the AHCCNZ Rally.

77194

Carjam says this about the car ;
Think a couple of errors like the engine size.

" 1957
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: Purple
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate:ⓘ SN3000
Engine No:ⓘ 26CUH47347
Chassis:ⓘ BN4S47347
CC rating:ⓘ 2,300cc (2.3l)
Fuel Type:ⓘ Petrol "

The number plate SN3000 was a reissue as the plate it got in the Christchurch region in 1964 when permanent plates first came out was AM4408. Car was Registered in New Zealand as a new vehicle in 1957.

" Plate Effective Date
SN3000 15-Apr-1994
AM4408 "