Description
You’ve probably never seen a Healey Abbott before. We are told that only 76 of these cars were made and that 25 survive. If you are a Heaely man or lady this must be one of the rarest available.
So here we have a chance to join an exclusive club of the privileged few owners who get to look at these beautiful cars every time they open the garage door.
This Healey is fitted with a 2. 4-litre twin cam Riley engine and coachwork by Abbott of Farnham, giving it sporting performance to match its flamboyant lines. It has benefitted from extensive restoration work in the past and still looks to be in very drivable condition.
We can think of no better way to make an entrance to Goodwood Revival than in this Healey, with the roof down, picnic hamper and the Riley engine revving happily. Upon swinging open the rear-hinged doors, you are met by the sight of gently worn leather, the kind of hide that emits the warm glow of use while remaining smart and presentable.
The carpets and door cards (replaced in 2012) show signs of use but not damage and beyond the marbled steering wheel, the veneered dashboard remains nicely polished, having been refurbished in 2012.
To the rear, the boot appears spacious and well carpeted, with a spare wheel below the floor.
You can drive it anywhere, safe in the knowledge that you’re not going to be upstaged by anybody. The body was produced by coach-builders Abbott of Farnham, who had an association with the Donald Healey Motor Company.
Sweeping wings and kite-shaped front grille make this an unmistakable car, and a standard-bearer for decadent ‘50s styling. In a decade when the country was still plodding through the final days of rationing and trying to pick itself up after the war, this car must have seemed like it had landed from another planet.
The paint remains in good condition, and the undercarriage is in sound condition, bearing its 72 years old.
The wheels and their elaborate chrome hubcaps look fantastic.
Invoices with the car show the extent of the work done to the body, including welding, repairs, repainting, and re-chroming on many components such as the doors, front wings, and others.
As you can see, this car has had much attention lavished upon it. The 2, 443cc Riley engine is a powerful unit, by the standards of the 1950s. Its dual overhead camshaft arrangement may be something we take for granted today, but remember that side-valve and pushrod engines were still very much in vogue at the time, so this can certainly be considered a sporting automobile.
It sounds very nice and runs smoothly, accelerating well with no unusual sounds, leaks or smoke.
This is a very rare car, which is a shame because we think the streets of Britain could do with a few more Healeys to add a dash of flair to the scene, especially if they’re wearing fabulous Abbott coachwork such as this.
Its next owner will certainly be the talk of the car show and turning heads along the high street.
The opportunity to acquire a car as rare as this doesn’t often come along.
Please call to arrange a viewing.
