Austin-HealeyÂ’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others

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Expand view Topic review: Austin-HealeyÂ’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others

AH 100 SIX BN4 - the car that became the " Valiant - Healey ".

by Roger Dowding » Wed Oct 30, 2024 1:15 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.
AH 100 SIX #233 AH BN4 Valiant Healey Feb 2024 Whangarei meeting Grant McKenzie 178kb photo Kyra.jpg
Car looks a bit different to this photo [ my own ] from 1984 at Napier for the AHCCNZ Rally.
AHCCNZ events #73 1984 Napier Rally H V-H 2CCI16042016_0001 (800x518).jpg


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 "

The Jensen CV8 .. a bit more.

by Roger Dowding » Tue Oct 29, 2024 1:47 am

Roger Dowding wrote:" 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 ;.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]64362[/ATTACH]

The CV8

[ATTACH=CONFIG]64363[/ATTACH]

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.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]64364[/ATTACH]

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

[ATTACH=CONFIG]64365[/ATTACH]

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.

Ngutuwera Hill Climb - near Waitotara South Taranaki

by Roger Dowding » Sun Oct 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.
AH 100 #306 AH 100 w plate 394,752 1951 - 56 issue Ngutuwera Hill Climb Wanganui at start arch R.jpg
AH 100 #307 AH 100 w plate 394,752 1951 - 56 issue Ngutuwera Hill Climb Wanganui racing arch R J.jpg
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.
Motoring Books #592 YESTERDAY'S MOTORING by Graham Cowie - 1991 175kb copy Smith Bookshop.jpg
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.
AH 100 #309 AH 100 w plate 394,752 1951 - 56 issue Ngutuwera Hill Climb Wanganui at start ewdit .jpg

" 422*533 " BT768 - the George Lawton 100 - Six.

by Roger Dowding » Wed Aug 21, 2024 1:57 am

Roger Dowding wrote: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.
AH 100 Six #058 100 Six 422.533 1956 - 61 plate and Bobtail Cooper, George Lawton, 175 kb arch G.jpg
At John Windelburn's Garage - picture recently from John.
AH 100 Six #053 George - Joe - Lawton AH 100 SIX at John Windelburn workshop crop arch J Windelb.jpg
The " Puhipuhi Road " photo again - the Northland Car Club Hill Climb.
AH #110 AH 100 Six George Lawton NZ Plate 1956 - 61 422.533 TRS photo bce257 Andy Thorpe .jpg

AN5L758 - a very early 1958 AH Sprite the 257th production car.

by Roger Dowding » Sun Jul 14, 2024 3:55 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.
AH Sprite #072 AN5L758 NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite BL Heritage Certificate 7 Jul 1982  178k.jpg
The NZ Registration Papers;
AH Sprite #073 AN5L758 NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite BS430 NZ Reg Papers front Page 29 Oct 19.jpg
AH Sprite #074 AN5L758 NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite BS4308 NZ Reg Papers P 2 16 Jul 1964 to .jpg
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.
AH Sprite #077 AN5L758 NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite #139 Clarrie Berryman #146 Country Gents.jpg
Any photos of the Car racing would be appreciated to pass on to Anthony.

Cover of the February 1966 NSCC meeting Programme
Pukekohe 1966 #006 C ACC and NSCC Programmes NSCC Feb 1966 arch Lloyd Gleeson colln Roger Dowdin.jpg

The " 30th Anniversary of the Austin - Healey " Celebrations at Snowmass, Co, USA

by Roger Dowding » Wed Jul 10, 2024 4:33 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 ].
AHCC 2014 #026 AH people L to R Terry Cowan John Wilson Jan Mark Steve Pike at table Steve Kirby.jpg


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.
AHCC 2014 #027 AH Mark MHD Jan McLaren Robert Wilson John Wilson son at Chatham house Carmel Ca .jpg
The Trailer that Healey Lane uses to transport " Austin Healey " cars.
AHCC 2014 #029 AH Healey Lane Restorations Trailer John Wilson Robert Wilson 174kb arch M Donald.jpg
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.
Absolutely British  #001 AB Original Business Card - Walt Glendenning arch R Dowding .jpg
Healey trip 1982 #148 Absolutely British Walt Glendenning card CCI02072016_0001 (800x506).jpg
Absolutely British #007 - Eric Grunden - letter K Hyndman crop Logo144kb .jpg

AN5L758 - a 1958 Sprite the 257th Production Car

by Roger Dowding » Thu Jul 04, 2024 5:44 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.
AH Sprite #067 AN5L758 in NZ Tony van de Water 1958 257th during restoration front body -2024 17.jpg
AH Sprite #068 AN5L758 in NZ Tony van de Water 1958 257th during restoration rear body -24 178kb.jpg
The car as finished recently.
AH Sprite #064 AN5L758 in NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite 257th restoration 2023 179kb photo An.jpg
AH Sprite #065 AN5758 in NZ Tony van de Water 1958 Sprite 257th built Nov 2023 177 kb A van de W.jpg
AH Sprite #066 AN5L758 in NZ Tony van de Water 1958 257th restoration side view finished 2024 17.jpg
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.
Ardmore 1989 #004 the Reunion 1989 Healeys on the grid.jpg


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 "

AHS3601 R - the recreation of AHS3601 the Vickery Motors Car.

by Roger Dowding » Tue Jun 25, 2024 5:44 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.
AH 100S #333 AHS3601 R ex NZ Reg DN6440 at Highlands fr rhs A Rayner 178kb arch Alister Rayner.jpg
AH 100S #334 AHS3601 R ex NZ Reg DN6440 at Highlands fr lhs A Rayner 178kb arch Alister Rayner.jpg
AH 100S #335 AHS3601 R ex NZ Reg DN6440 at Highlands rr rhs image 2024 A Rayner 178kb arch Alist.jpg
The Original AHS3601 outside Vickery Motors in 1956.
AH 100S #300 AHS3601  NZ Reg 75.602 later DN6440 Car in NZ 1956 from Booklet Derek Mayor arch Al.jpg
Image in the booklet produced by Derek Mayor - the owner of AHS3601 R in the early 2000's in the UK.

Austin Healey silhouette - drawings - David Townsend Art.

by Roger Dowding » Tue Jun 18, 2024 5:22 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
Logo #274 Austin Healey 100 hardtop Silhouette Drawing - Red 164kb David Townsend Auto Art.jpg
AH 100 M - top down
Logo #275 Austin Healey 100 Silhouette Drawing - Red 154kb David Townsend Auto Art.jpg
AH 100 SIX 100/6
Logo #276 Austin Healey 100 Six Silhouette Drawing - Blue 179kb David Townsend Auto Art.jpg
A set of the " Classiccarportraits ".

AH 100. BN1
Logo #149 Austin Healey 100 BN1 1953 - 55 Red Classiccarportraits.jpg
AH 100 M BN2
Logo #153 Austin Healey 100 M BN2 1955 - 56 White over Black Classiccarportraits.jpg
AH 100 SIX 100/6
Logo #156 Austin Healey 100 Six BN4 1956 - 59 Blue over Ivory Classiccarportraits.jpg

AHOCQ and back in QLD.

by Roger Dowding » Sat Jun 01, 2024 7:15 am

ERC wrote: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.
AHCC 2015 #022 AHOCQ Concours 2015 AH 3000 Red w Clive Chapman image Roger Dowding.jpg

Amaroo 1979 - 1980 - and nearly 800,000 views.

by Roger Dowding » Wed May 29, 2024 8:02 am

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

One " Big ",
AHCC 1980 #115 Amaroo Australia 1979 - 80 Austin Healey 100 #69 dark two tone arch OMRPA photo D.jpg
One - small and Spritely,
AHCC 1980 #117 Amaroo Australia 1979 - 80 Austin Healey Sprite #39 arch OMRPA photo Dominic O'Do.jpg
One - non Austin - Healey,
AHCC 1980 #121 Amaroo, Australia 1979 - 80 Healey Silverstone Bob Healey arch OMRPA photo Domini.jpg
and One AH with another " A " and MG-A.

Wonder if they are still around today.

Will find and add Drivers names later.
AHCC 1980 #123 Amaroo, Australia 1979 - 80 Austin Healey 100 and MGA arch OMRPA photo Dominic O'.jpg

Re: Austin-HealeyÂ’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others

by Roger Dowding » Sun May 26, 2024 10:47 pm

Ray Bell wrote: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 ..
AH 3000 #174 AH 3000 Ruddspeed motor and A125 4000 motor arch Myles Hicks .jpg
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
AH 3000 #250 Ruddspeed - 4000 Montage 4 photos sticker Myles Hicks  (800x598).jpg
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

Re: Austin-HealeyÂ’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others

by Ray Bell » Fri May 24, 2024 12:45 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.

Wigram - The Lady Wigram Trophy Event - the Sports Car Races

by Roger Dowding » Thu May 23, 2024 1:03 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;
Wigram 1959 #015 Entry List Sports Car Race AH 100S Fred Losee -100S Graham Pierce - M Richards .jpg
1960; Tims in a 100 before he got the Fred Losee 100S AHS3802
Wigram 1960 #023 Entry List Sports Car Race 20 laps 42 miles Le Mans start Wigram 1960 179kb arc.jpg
1961; Tims in the ex Fred Losee 100S
Wigram 1961 #026 Wigram 1961 Sports car race Entry list w results 1 -4 place and time 178kb arch.jpg
1962;
Wigram 1962 #026 Wigram 1962 Sports car race Entry list w results 1 -3 place 180kb arch Graham W.jpg
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
Wigram 1963 #023 Entry List Sports Car Race 36 miles Le Mans start E D Candy Healey - Corvette 1.jpg

Reims 12 Hour Race 1957 - OON441 and AHS3810 in 1956.

by Roger Dowding » Mon May 20, 2024 1:14 am

The last two photos [ so far ] of OON441
AH 100S #455 OON441 SPL258BN Reims 12 hr Race 14 Jul 1957 Hudson - Kellett in pits 137kb arch Ci.jpg
AH 100S #454 OON441 SPL258BN Reims 12 hr Race 14 Jul 1957 Hudson - Kellett in pits 180kb arch R .jpg
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.
AH 100S #488 AHS3810 #1 at start 12 Hour Race 1956 180kb arch Rainer Jordan.jpg

Reims 12 Hour Race - 1956 and 1957.

by Roger Dowding » Mon May 20, 2024 12:39 am

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.
AH 100S #486 AHS3810 #1 1956 Reims 12 Heures Raymond Flower Colin Davis 8th Notes 176kb image Iv.jpg
AH 100S #483 AHS3810 1956 Reims 12 Heures Raymond Flower and Colin Davis 8th Notes Ivo Visser 16.jpg
AH 100S #481 AHS3810 1956 Reims 12 Heures Raymond Flower and Colin Davis finished 8th Notes Ivo .jpg
Chassis and Engine number details of the Special Test Cars.
AH 100S #250 Spl Test Cars  NOJ391 NOJ393 SPL224B SPL226B Endurance - SPL227B OON439 OON440 OON4.jpg
OON441 the other entrant in 1957 alongside AHS3810.
In the Pits - along with other Competitors, before the Start ;- two different photos
AH 100S #457 OON441 SPL258BN Reims 12 hr Race 14 Jul 1957 Hudson - Kellett in pits before the Ra.jpg
AH 100S #456 OON441 SPL258BN Reims 12 hr Race 14 Jul 1957 Hudson - Kellett the start 180kb arch .jpg
A couple more photos to follow

Austin - Healey X224 - a non-Austin Healey, really.

by Roger Dowding » Sun May 19, 2024 11:21 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
AH 100S #425 AH Ferrari Special X224 1th Class D Nassau Trophy 12 Aug 1957 Peter Collins 181kb a.jpg
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. "
AH 100S #427 AH Ferrari Special X224 Austin powered Nassau Trophy 29.11.1959 Roy Salvadori 180kb.jpg

Ruddspeed 3000 in 1966, was bigger by then Engine size at 4200.

by Roger Dowding » Tue May 14, 2024 11:42 pm

The AH has the A125 Motor and is now 4200cc, up from 3993cc, the size in an Austin Princess.
Pukekohe 1966 #025 1966 NZIGP Sports Car Race Cullen Buckler Oxton Daimler McLaughlin AH 3000 at.jpg
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.
Pukekohe 1966 #014 NZIGP Entry List Race 4 Sports cars Ken Wharton Trophy arch Graham Woods.jpg
both images from Graham Woods archives - photographer not known, - would be taken from the Stables, maybe on the steps.

The Young - Ganley - Young AH Sprite is back on the road.

by Roger Dowding » Tue May 14, 2024 5:00 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.
AH Sprite #081 Brett Young Bugeye Sprite May 2024 at Eastbourne Wellington Brett Young .jpg
AH Sprite #083 Brett Young Bugeye Sprite May 2024 front Wellington Brett Young .jpg
AH Sprite #084 Brett Young Bugeye Sprite May 2024 Wellington Brett Young .jpg
" 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.
Logo #155 A AH Sprite 1958 - 61 Sprite Silhouette drawing Mk 1 Green 178kb  ClassicCarPortraits.jpg

Ruddspeed 3000 - the Russell Leathers car that became a 4000 later

by Roger Dowding » Tue May 14, 2024 4:50 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.
AH 3000 #248 Ruddspeed - 3000 First event Ardmore 1961 GP #122 Reg 603.043 56-61 plate 180kb Myl.jpg
The car at Matamata in 1964 with the 4000cc motor - photo from the Morrie Given - Scott - Given archives.
- posted on the Matamata thread.
AH 3000 #171 Matamata 1964 AH 3000 Ruddspeed McLaughlin Bros Ruddspeed #28 Ross Cammick Scott-Gi.jpg
Recent photos of the restoration from Myles Hicks.
AH 3000 #266 Ruddspeed 3000 restoration Race #122 Ardmore GP 1961 2024 rear 3-4 image Myles Hick.jpg
AH 3000 #267 Ruddspeed 3000 restoration Race #122 Ardmore GP 1961 2024 front 3-4 image Myles Hic.jpg
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.

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