100-6 Longbridge value

[thall66]

I currently have a few project Healeys. 2 BJ7s, and a BN7. All three are driveway runners. I was just getting ready to start a ground up on the BN7, when a late Longbridge car popped up for sale. The BN4 had been stripped, sandblasted, welded, and painted. The owner bailed out at that point.

After getting it back to the shop, and trying to fit the panels, I found that the rear inner fenders were patched wrong, and the shut pillars put in the wrong place. I guess that's why the previous owner gave up. Anyway, rather than patch again, I replaced the inner fenders and now have the body fit. I will sandblast the frame again and paint with PPG paint before bringing it up.

I am considering putting a BJ8 engine in it that I have lying around.

The question begs, is a Longbridge car significant? From all I can tell, I am working on the lowest value car of the 4. Still a nice car, but am I nuts? It was just so much further along than the others.

The car was originally Colorado red. I plan to put tan interior in it, so does the engine matter. I have the original 2.6L, just figure the BJ8 engine would be more fun.

 

[Brinkerhoff]

I'm in your position constantly: I find myself working on my MG TC , MGA coupe, MGA roadster, TR3 , can't seem to find time for my 67 E type .... so you're no more nuts than I. However, having done a few Healeys and since you still have a few to go , I wouldn't spend my time on the 100 -6 . Now is the only chance to make money.

 

[thall66]

I did just ask myself recently why I don't just sell these 4 Healeys and buy a 67 XKE, or a finished BJ8 Phase 2. I have some strange attachment to the BN7 that I can't explain, but being a side curtain car, I really want to keep a BJ7 as well for touring. I should have one in a "Shiny driver" state to take to the Conclave at the Homestead next spring. With that being said, that leaves me with a BJ7 and a BN4 project. Not quite enough to land me in Jag territory, so I decided to keep them.

 

[TimK]

I too have an attachment to a BN7 -- for over 30 years:
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[thall66]

Nice Ride! Wish mine looked that good.

 

[Editor_Reid]

I'd recommend sticking with the original engine for the sake of better re-sale value. Engine swaps are fine if you're doing the car for yourself and you don't care how much your heirs get for it, but if you're going to sell it yourself and you're trying to finance other things, go with originality and take it to auction.