Highlights

Known history, including period of ownership by Lenham and its French importer
Only three registered owners since new
One of 18 'Big Healeys' re-bodied by Lenham
Owned by French importer Thierry Toutan for 29 years
Complete rebuild recently completed
MOT renewed in January 2025

The most

It all started, as it often does, with an informal conversation and a blank sheet of paper. The result was the Lenham Healey Six, Julian Booty and Peter Rix's vision of a perfect recreation of their revered Delahaye and Bugatti racing cars of the 1930s.

They chose to base their new car on the Austin Healey 3000 because of its long, narrow dimensions, which gave it an appropriate stance and aesthetic. Only 18 cars were produced, and this is undoubtedly one of the most interesting.

The car is based on a 1962 BJ7 and remained in Lenham's possession until 1980. It was then sold to their French importer, Thierry Toutan, who used it as his personal car for 29 years. He drove it sparingly at shows and events, clocking up just 3,500 km. The engine was rebuilt and modified with a high-compression bottom end and Mk3 cylinder head in the 1990s. On his death, the car was passed on to a friend, who carefully stored it.

The car was fully serviced in November 2024, including brakes, ignition, fuel system and a complete overhaul. A new MOT certificate was issued in January 2025 with no comments.

It still has a British V5, which would allow it to be repatriated to the UK. Currently registered in France, it is easy to import into the EU. This is a very fine example of one of these rare and sought-after cars, with a limited number of owners and a fascinating provenance.

History and Documents

BJ7 donor registered 1962
Converted by Lenham in the 1970s
Sold by Lenham to French importer Thierry Toutan in 1980 for personal use
Used by Toutan for shows and events, covering only 3,500 km
Engine overhauled and upgraded as described above between 1996 and 1999
Passed on to a friend of Toutan's in 2009, stored dry until November 2024
Refurbished in November 2024 (details below)
Letters from Lenham and copy of UK V5 included
French registered and MOT passed in January 2025
Invoices for new parts and recent repairs
French registration document present
UK V5C in the name of Lenham Cars
Typed list of MOTs from 1996 to 2025

The State

Re-bodied by Lenham in the late 1970s
Red paintwork in good condition showing light patina
Two-piece aluminium bonnet and other aluminium body components
Chassis and bodywork in very good condition, no problems noted at the last technical inspection
Wheels and hubs converted to chrome wire
Folding windscreen with three windscreen wipers and side guards
Aerodynamic screens revealed when the windscreen is folded down
Custom tonneau cover included
New Kumho tyres fitted during recent refurbishment
Black leather seats in good condition
Fine detailing including leather bonnet straps
Turned aluminium instrument panel with classic functional counters
Three-spoke steering wheel with wood rim
Upholstered boot in good condition

The Mechanics

2,912 cm³ in-line six-cylinder Austin Healey BJ7 engine
Engine revised and improved in the 90s
Low compression engine with Mk3 cylinder head
4-speed manual gearbox
Recent refurbishment work listed below
Well documented history with regular maintenance by all three owners
No running or driving problems reported
Recent roadworthiness test with no remarks reported by the vendor

Recent work since November 2024 :

New high-performance starter motor
Fuel pump replaced
Brakes overhauled with new pads
Carburettors dismantled and serviced
New spark plugs, oil and coolant
All electrical problems solved and wiring lubricated

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].