Lot 009: 1955 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100

Supplied new via Peter Kevil & Sons of Worcester to Mr Pike of Bromsgrove on January 1st 1955, NWP 682 was resident in London NW11 during the early / mid 1970s. Somewhat down at heel by the time Mr Cheshire of Droitwich acquired it in 1978, this rare home-market BN1 would remain neglected until 1989 when new custodian Alan Sayles of Ipswich began a painstaking chassis-up rebuild (carried out with assistance from former Austin-Healey Club director and marque specialist Andrew Haywood Smith). Found to be basically sound, its chassis was nonetheless given new crossmembers, sills and floor / boot sections etc (though, the original bulkheads were preserved). Fitted with four new wings and a pair of factory doors sourced from America, its newly applied livery of Old English White over Lobellia was intended to ape that of the Works racers. Benefiting from a thorough mechanical overhaul (engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, new wiring etc), it was returned to the road with a zeroed odometer in May 1991. Covering some 4,000 miles over the next two years (including a trip to Le Mans), NWP 682 was acquired by its previous registered keeper Mr Perkins of Cuffley in 1993. In the present ownership since Autumn 2001, it has enjoyed regular servicing. As well as receiving a replacement three-speed plus overdrive gearbox / new clutch in 2001, this appealing Healey was treated two years later to a new unleaded cylinder head, reconditioned starter motor, overdrive solenoid, stainless steel exhaust, refurbished radiator and 12volt conversion. Still appearing to retain much of its original leather upholstery (though, it has since been re-coloured from red to black), it is variously rated by the vendor as being in fair (interior trim, paintwork) to good (engine, transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to be "non-temperamental and a joy to drive", it is offered for sale with history file, hood, sidescreens, tonneau and MOT certificate valid until October 2006.