"Rust never sleeps," is a saying that one sometimes hears. I don't really agree with that statement.
Thirteen years ago, a C2 Corvette that I owned had a rusty perforated frame cross member located above the spare tire storage, under the rear of the car. Otherwise, the frame was excellent. That area above the spare tire never dried out properly, and mud and salty snow could pack in there. After replacing the rusty piece, I left the rusty piece lying indoors on the bare concrete floor, without cleaning it or treating it in any way. Every once in a while, I look at it. The corrosion has not progressed further.
The point is that rust requires the right conditions in order to do its damage. When new, most of these Healeys were driven year round in all kinds of conditions. Snow, rain, salt, and humid air all did their damage. Eventually forgotten, many sat outside, tires flat, sunk into the damp earth, with grass growing under and around the cars. No wonder they rusted out. Admittedly, the Healeys were not designed with longevity as the primary goal. But, once rebuilt, if one keeps these cars in dry storage and drives them on dry days, they should last a long time.