I was recently at a car show and was told about this Austin Healey that a gentleman wanted to sell. It was owned that a English car enthusiast and his wife drives a Morris; so I knew I would like the Healey even before I saw it. I sure was not disappointed when I finally saw and drove the car.
This is a BJ7 which was the first model with the roll up windows and curved windshield. It still retains the dash layout of the earlier models, which many people find more attractive than the layout of the later BJ8.
First, let me be clear, this is not a show car but a car to be driven and enjoyed.
Body: perhaps the most important thing on any older British car. Body appears to be completely rust free. I have not found any rust bubbles on the sheet metal. The frame is solid without rust or signs of prior accidents.
Paint: The black paint is in average condition. It was not the best quality paint job and there is some orange peel. Some of it perhaps could be wet sanded and buffed. Do not get me wrong, the paint is not terrible that the first thing you need to do is get the car painted, but I want to be honest and if a high quality paint is something you demand then this car will need a paint job. If you are simply looking for a driver, then I would leave it as is.
Chrome: Chrome is good for a driver with the exception of the wire wheels which would qualify for show condition.
Engine: engine starts right up with 40 psi of oil pressure. No smoke or unusual noises. The records indicate the engine was rebuilt with new bearings and rings, and the head was reworked
Gearbox: Gearbox and clutch work as expected. Car includes the optional electric overdrive which also works well.
Exhaust: stainless steel exhaust with a great sound!
Interior: The interior is black with red pipping and is in very good condition. The gauges look nice so does the dash top. Convertible top is very good.
Undercarriage: Underneath the car is straight and rust free. In the photos you can see the stainless steel exhaust. You might also notice the two new rear shocks absorbers
Books and receipts: comes with owner's manual, repair manual and many maintenance receipts. This is a summary of the maintenance done during the last 10 years (not including oil and filter changes)
- Spark plug wires Jul-11
- Ignition cap Jul-11
- Tie rod ends May-11
- Turn signal flasher May-11
- Front brake pads May-11
- Battery Nov-10
- Centershift boot Jul-10
- Rear wheel cylinder Sep-09
- Rera brake shoes Sep-09
- Radiator fan upgrade Jul-09
- Fuel sending unit May-08
- Pertronix ignition Aug-07
- Rear shocks Mar-07
- R&R drive shaft, replace both U-joints May-07
- Stainless steel battery box May-06
- Rear leaf spring mounts Aug-05
- Complete rebuild carbs Jun-03
- Oil pump flex line Apr-03
- Replace differential seal Oct-02
- three point seat belts May-02
- stainless steel exhaust Jan-02
- clutch slave cylinder Nov-01
- R&R transmission Nov-01
- Replace clutch Nov-01
- Radiator cleaning Jun-01
- Water pump May-01
- Convertible top Sep-00
- Voltage regulator Sep-00
- Starter Aug-00
- Chrome wire wheels Aug-00
- Tires Aug-00