Don’t buy this car if you are shy. When you drive it you will have people stop and stare, take photos, and come up to talk with you about it. It draws attention better than any modern car.
When people do come up and ask about the car, it’s nice to have a great story to tell them, and this car has a wonderful story to tell. Starting with its very unique original color.
A limited run of Coronet Cream Austin Healeys were created in 1953-1954. This is one of the very last Coronet Cream Austin Healeys ever built (March 23rd, 1954). The Donald Healey Motor Company introduced the Coronet Cream color in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. The combination of the Coronet Cream with a red interior makes this an extremely rare example. Only 221 with this combination were ever produced and only a handful have survived to modern times. These cars are so special that one example, with a blue interior, resides in the permanent collection of the Healey Museum in The Netherlands.
This beautiful car was also featured on the cover of Austin Healey Magazine May-June 2023.
Restoration
The car has recently undergone a complete fully documented restoration. It is licensed and registered in Luxembourg and passed the rigid technical inspection in October 2023.
Engine
The numbers-matching engine was in good mechanical order when it was first received. The head was pulled and the valves relapped and new valve seals were installed. The cylinder walls looked to be in very good condition. Everything was cleaned, inspected, and reassembled. The engine runs very well and should have a long life ahead of it.
Transmission
The numbers-matching transmission was disassembled and new gaskets and seals were installed. Everything was inspected, cleaned, and reassembled. The 3-speed manual transmission works very well and the fully functional electric overdrive makes the car a joy to drive.
Carburetors
Both of the original SU carbs have been rebuilt with quality SU parts.
Chassis
The original chassis was too rusted to reuse. A new AH-Spares chassis was installed creating a solid, strong foundation that will stand up to even the most demanding driving.
Bodywork
To keep the history of the car intact as much of the original metal was kept as possible. The hood(bonnet) and the trunk lid(boot lid) are aluminum. The boot lid is original and has the body number stamp, 2428. The bonnet has been replaced with an AH Spares aluminum bonnet.
Since the paint is the part of this car that makes it special an exhaustive search for the right color was taken. In the end, Glasurite Line 55 – Coronet Cream – 53A71 was chosen for its very close match to the original.
Chrome
As much of the original chrome as possible was kept. The pieces were sent to a chroming company that does work for the Mercedes-Benz Museum and is of exceptional quality.
Electric
A new cloth-wrapped wiring harness has been fitted. Many of the electrical components are original except notably the starter. It has been replaced with a high-torque starter. It has two 6-volt tar top batteries like originally designed.
Upholstery
The entire upholstery has been redone. The seats, seat frames, and seat rails are completely new and wrapped in real leather. The door cards are without the typical stitching around the recess as this is appropriate for an early BN1.
Wheels and Tyres
New wheels and tyres have been fitted. The 48-spoke wire wheels are painted wire wheels that would closely match what would have originally been on the car. The tyres are Dunlop 185/70v R15. The king-pins have been replaced giving the steering a nice tight feel.
Exhaust
The car is fitted with a stainless steel exhaust that has been painted matt black for a more original look.
Whether Gear
A new black hood (top) and new side curtains have been fitted.
Mileage
The original mileage has been lost to time as the car has sat for too long and has lost its original odometer. Since it’s full restoration the car has around 85 test miles on the clock.