Description
This Austin Healey Mark 1 (BT7) has had one owner for the last 33 years. It was built on 29th October 1959 and dispatched to Dusseldorf, Germany, on 7th November 1959 where is was purchased by a US serviceman. At the end of his European tour, he returned to Phoenix, Arizona, USA, with his Healey where it stayed in the dry desert climate for nearly 30 years. Consequently, the dry desert conditions and careful ownership means the car is a very original, all matching numbers vehicle. This splendid example was repatriated back to the UK in the 1989 where it underwent a 3 year rotisserie nut and bolt restoration by an Austin Healey enthusiast which included conversion to RH adjustable steering. Door gaps and swage lines are excellent. The car was purchased by the present owner in 1992 where it has spent an enjoyable life driving through the East Anglian countryside and exhibiting at classic car shows. It has aged very well during the following years gaining admiring glances and smiles wherever it goes.
GSK 627 has been meticulously maintained by the current owner with all receipts kept and filed in a comprehensive history file which includes its British Motor industry Heritage Trust Certificate.
So many Healeys are fitted with the wrong sized tyres which can reduce ride-height (on a car that already sits very low on the road) as well as affecting speedo accuracy and handling performance. This Healey sits beautifully on 72 spoke wire wheels fitted with 180HR15 Michelin XAS tyres supplied by Longstone Tyres, which are by far the best tyres available for the Austin Healey 3000 - see the following link which explains the benefits of fitting these tyres - - details above
Additional performance improvements include the removal and refurbishment of the original 6 cylinder cast manifold and applying a high-temperature ceramic coating to help improve the efficient flow of exhaust and in turn increasing engine performance. It also reduces under-bonnet temperatures and looks good! The work was undertaken by Zircotec whose pedigree extends to all forms of motor sport, including F1. A stainless steel exhaust is also fitted. GSK 627 is equipped with H & H electronic ignition which replaces the conventional points for improved reliability. The original SU HD6 carburettors have also been restored by Burlen Fuel Systems, costly but beautiful to look at and smooth to operate. The car is fitted with a high capacity electronic fuel pump, for increased reliability and is fitted with a new battery. It has been tuned on a rolling road and runs beautifully. Oil pressure is excellent. Hood and tonneau cover are also in excellent condition.
After 33 years of treasured ownership, GSK 627 is now looking for a new home where it will continue to give pleasure for many years to come. It is competitively priced and probably one of the best valued Healey's for sale.
