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new british car owner looking for opinions

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lynfield66TR4A

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Hello everyone, I recently inherited several british cars.
I have a '56 100-4 in whole, but not running condition. Is this really worth restoring? I am a motorcyle mechanic and would do all the mechanics myself, is there a certain part not obtainable that would make all my labor a waste of time?
I love the look of the car and am thoroughly enjoying my TR4A, I am brand new to British cars, so any thoughts would be appreciated. Please no offers to buy, most people interested would part it out, I would like to keep it whole as part of my late brothers collection.
Thanks, Mike
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have a '56 100-4 in whole, but not running condition. Is this really worth restoring?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. That said, if you're thinking about a full restoration to concours standards its very unlikely to be a financially profitable undertaking. If your interests are more in getting the car back on the road in good condition then its likely to be more rewarding though its profitability would still seem questionable- maybe breakeven-ish.

The Austin Healey Club USA has a Price Guide that may be useful- though it may be dated (late 2004, have thngs changed in the US since?)....

If the car is whole, then I doubt you'd find any unique part that would render it all worthless, as with any restoration there are always little things than can be troublesome to source, but that's part of the challenge of restoration. There are a number of suppliers of reproduction components and e-bay often provides used items....

The greatest problem with these cars is rust and its damage to the car's chassis, inner body and exterior panels. If yours is a rust-free or nearly so car then you've avoided most of the real problems and some significant costs with restoring these cars.

Some of the other members are more familiar with this model and should be able to provide more specific advice.

Good luck with it....
 
[ QUOTE ]
Hello everyone, I recently inherited several british cars.
I have a '56 100-4 in whole, but not running condition. Is this really worth restoring? Thanks, Mike

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually thsee cars are quite worthless and certain US States even have a fine if you are caught with one. As a new member here I would like to help you out and will take the car for you and as a nice gesture give you $10,000 to boot. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Seriously you have a really great car.

Bruce
 
Welcome to the forum Lyn, I agree with what's been said. And some here are very knowledgeable about the 100-4 model. The values seem to be a little out of wack lately (read that a little high) but, few on this forum, if any, are doing any of this to make money. They do it because the love the cars, as you will, the first time you drive a big Healey, like the 100. Something inside you will begin to jump around and you will develop a really silly, but very comfortable “Healey” grin. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soon you will be obsessed with maintenance, tweaking and ‘sorting things out.’ You will buy tools you never knew existed and be very happy about it, your wife will eventually get a glazed look in her eyes and roll them whenever you mention ‘the Healey.’ /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Some of your friends will talk about your fanaticism, but only behind your back, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif you’ll see them less and less anyway, as you travel to car shows and meets that attract others of this breed. It’s ok, you’ll make new friends, and they’ll understand your strange ‘new’ English…Welcome!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Lynn,
I carted my 100 arround for 20 years until I finally had the time an resources to get it done.
I have to tell you, spending time (driving and "adjusting" of which there is pleanty of time)is the highlight of my week.
I encourage you to restore it. Do what you can yourself and consign the rest to experts. I did the mechanical work, but have no body or paint skills.
These cars are appreciating and are approaching the "rare" category.
Best of luck.
 
no, these cars are not worth a plum nickle, sell em all and buy yourself a new volvo! youll see. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have a '56 100-4 in whole, but not running condition. Is this really worth restoring? I would like to keep it whole as part of my late brothers collection.
Thanks, Mike

[/ QUOTE ]

Mike,

You answered your own question. My feeling is that this is the opportunity to keep your brother's spirit alive and in the family. By keeping it and resoting it, you have a true family heirloom that will include the sensory delights of sounds, smells and inirtial thrills that only come with a Healey. If you part with it you may have a bit of jingle in your pocket, but that will not provide much of a memory.

I hope when I am pusing up daisies my daughter and her kids after them can enjoy the Healey and when they are cruising the coastal highway will "get" what I was so passionate about.

In short, this particular car is not about money, gained or lost. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

If you budget about $20K and are clever you will have a long lasting memorial of your brother.

Kinda sappy but sincere. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thank You all, I have decided to keep it stored for a while and start slowly towards restoration. The wheels won't turn.
I have given it a really close look and there isn't a single missing piece as far as I can tell. It will be driven again! Thanks for your thoughts!
 
By the way, Lynfield, you have one of the premier Healey restorers close-by. Tom Kovacs who runs Fourintune in Cederburg, Wisconson does exceptional work and specializes in Healeys. He won't do it "on the cheap" for you, but could be a great resource for you. He did my 100 for me and I couldn't be more pleased with the results.
Be happy to send pictures to get you tempted...lol
Jeff Maynard
 
Keep it.

I've had my BN1 for 30 yrs and brought it back a little at a time--whenever I saved an extra $40 to spend on it.
Everything is mechanical - no encapsulated electronics to mystify anyone.
You can make this car run for cheap, or make it concours with much effort.
There is a whole slew of vendors that caters to Healey fanatics in the USA, England and Australia--lots of choices.

Everything is available, body repair parts, etc.
Make it run now!, don't store it for 15 yrs.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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