This soon to be FIA race car will be wearing an Healey hardtop and side curtains. The Speedwell door handles added to these doors will make getting the doors open during a race a lot quicker and easier.
Category Archives: British
Competition Sebring
Thanks to everyone who stopped by yesterday for our competition Austin Healey Sprite event with the Iowa British Car Club.
Before: 1966 Ford Anglia 105E
The Anglia 105E built from 1959 to 1968 was the third and last version of the famous Anglia nameplate. The 105E was powered by a 997 cc engine which was actually smaller but more powerful than the 1172 cc engine that powered the previous model.
Restoration Failure
This 1966 MG MGB has less than 100 miles since restoration at another shop, which incidentally is no longer is around. The rod bearings were completely worn out, the timing chain tensioner had never been engaged, and camshaft key was almost completely sheared off. Now machined properly and back together the owner can finally enjoy their family heirloom.
After: 1960 Austin Healey 3000
The two seater BN7 is a beautiful car compared to the four seat BT7 and leaving the original bumpers off accentuates the great body lines.
Italian Minis
The original Mini has many variants built all over the world. They were produced in Canada, Japan, Australia, Italy, South Africa and Spain as well as the United Kingdom. Shown here is the early Italian made Innocenti Mini along with a later model with roll up windows and a fancier dashboard.
Flared: 1973 Jensen Interceptor
This Jensen came to the shop in stock condition and now with these hand made all metal flares, new front valance, and frenched lamps it will be leaving more fast and furious.
Before: 1966 Austin Healey 3000 MkIII
Sometimes great looking cars don’t have great foundations. Although many might not tear apart a car that looks this good what we have now uncovered hiding under the paint and horrible previous body work shows it was a good decision.
Almost Painted 1972 Triumph Stag
Now ready for paint this Mark I Triumph Stag will get a respray in it’s original white color. Only 2,871 of these cars were to be sold in the United States between 1970 and 1977, this being the fourth that we have had in the shop.
Folding Roof
Cutting a giant hole in the roof of an Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 looks scary but having a fabric folding sunroof will be worth the trouble.
440 Mopar
The largest engine that Chrysler made it’s power by sheer size instead of high compression or high revs. This big block is making almost 500 horsepower and just over 400 ft-lbs or torque.
Painted: 1967 Sunbeam Alpine
19,122 of these final version Series V Alpines were produced. They had a new five-bearing 1,725 cc (105.3 cu in) engine with twin Zenith-Stromberg semi-downdraught carburettors producing 93 bhp. This car is painted in the very rare Code #130 Gunmetal Metallic.
After: 1963 Jaguar XKE
Rescued from it’s barn find state the Jaguar is now road worth again. The E-Type was based on Jaguar’s D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive years beginning 1955, and employed a racing design with both the body tub and engine bolted directly to the frame.
After: 1967 Austin Mini Moke
In 1967, the “Mk II” Moke added a passenger-side wiper. Horn and headlight controls were moved onto the indicator stalk. These later British Mokes were available in white as well as the original single color of Spruce Green.
Interior: 1960 Austin Healey 3000
The brown and biscuit interior is looking great with the Race Red exterior color. This BN7 has come a long way from the green it originally arrived in.
Mini Woody
The Austin Countryman was first launched in 1960 and although very successful in France many thought the non-functional wood to be too much and starting in 1961 the wood became optional. This beautiful example is now back in top condition.
Before: 1963 Jaguar XKE
Called the E-Type outside of North America this Jaguar is fresh from the barn after many years of sitting. Unfortunately at one point a repair shop did not know where the bonnet releases were located and decide to use pry bars instead.
After: 1952 MG TD
Painted again in it’s original Ivory color this MG TD has been re-assembled and brought back to running condition after many years of sitting. The wheels have been powder coated in the original silver color and proper replica tires from Coker have been fitted.
Better Healey
Now upgraded with twin 45mm Dellorto two barrel carburetors the 1974 Jensen Healey Series II starts better, runs better, and a joy to drive compared to having the original Strombergs.
Painted: 1960 Austin Healey 3000
Although not an original shade this car looks great in modern Ford Race Red. The engine and transmission are already installed and the fun can begin on all of the many smaller jobs to complete it.
