Description
Built by Lenham Motor Company in Kent just 18 of these cars were constructed using the Big Healey 3000 as a donor. This early built example has a great history file that contains the cars original buff logbook, old MoT’s, pictures and magazine articles.
A well maintained example it has been fitted with new wire wheels, Blockley tyres and a new exhaust system. Showing 20, 600 miles the car retains its Big Healey 3 litre engine fed by twin SU carbs and a 3 speed (plus overdrive) gearbox. Being of alloy and fibreglass construction the car is about 250 kg lighter compared to a standard Healey, with about 145 bhp on tap from the tuned carburettor and engine means 0-60 is achieved in around 8 seconds and when flat out in 4th gear (overdrive on 3rd) will top 115mph for anyone brave enough to try. the performance is brisk and the engine note just joyful.
In the documentation with the car are various press clippings, magazines from the early ‘80’s, assorted bills, receipts, a bill of sale.
Factory built by the Lenham Motor Company in Kent, the brainchild of Julian Booty and Peter Rix who founded Lenham in 1962.
Peter Rix said that a customer had approached them and asked them to build a special based on a TR6 chassis. However, this proved impractical as the TR has outriggers for rear suspension arms making it too wide. The original concept was to build their own sports car that looked like a typical post-war racer in the manner of H. W. M and Alta and having discounted the TR and also MGA they settled on the big Healey as it is very strong with a good scuttle assembly. Outriggers that support the body could be chopped off to leave a long, narrow chassis. The nose was actually inspired by the Delahaye and the design is very clever as the moulded light pods hide the independent front suspension units. The bonnet has a scoop rivetted on to provide clearance for the triple SU’s and also to improve cooling.
The steering is firm and very predictable, far better than a Morgan or standard Healey of the same time period with a very positive feel to its cornering ability.
Most of these cars were exported to the continent and some to Australia. As far as am aware, there are only 2 or 3 Lenham Healey’s still remaining in the UK and this car is a little piece of motoring history continuing the vision and legacy of what Julian and Peter set out to achieve. Registered historic class, so MOT and road tax exempt.
The car turns heads wherever it goes and brings a sense of pure joy to the driver and the onlookers.
A perfect combination of pre War great looks with post War mechanicals and power. This iconic motor in lovely British Racing Green delivers true driving fun and is a very rare and unusual classic car.
It not only looks fantastic but also give you a great opportunity to experience the exhilaration those fearless racers enjoyed during the heydays of historic motor racing.
