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

[Roger Dowding]

another photo and sketches and an article from a magazine.

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

The Tintin story.

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

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

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

The interior and upholstery

The Drivers view

The Footwell with new carpet.

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

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]

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.

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

Map of the route on the car.

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]

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.

Some History from Robert Visser archives ;

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

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.

.

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]

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

and they agree.

Otherwise for style go see an italian.

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

[Allan]

But no wire wheels.

[Roger Dowding]

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 !!.

The car in 1980 when it won the Concours..

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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.

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.

The Cover of the issue #225 of NZ CC

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]

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.

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

Cars from the rear LHS - Fred Fowler photo.

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.

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

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

The car at a Service stop

At speed during the attempt.

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

Nearing the finish.

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]

Fred Fowler must have upgraded to the Awstin.

[Roger Dowding]

Fred Fowler must have upgraded to the Awstin.

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Must send that to him, Milan, brilliant !!

Have sent Fred a copy - he appreciated it,

Cheers
Roger

[Roger Dowding]

Some magnificent photos in this article.

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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.

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

[Roger Dowding]

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.

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

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.

A late model 3000 a BJ8.

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.

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 "

A couple of Engines to follow in the next post.

[Roger Dowding]

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.

Chrysler Engine in a 100 SIX.

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.