What is this car? Quick help needed.

[smcmanus]

I have the opportunity to buy this very rough AH rolling shell. The number plate reads: (top line) 5141, (bottom line) 6834.

It also has a build plate which reads, I paraphrase:
Designed, machined, and fabricated for Mr. Tom Elsworth of Kingsville Texas.

The area around the hood and grill and also around the trunk lid are aluminum, perhaps the only useable parts of this car.

Thanks
Steve

 

[stevebn2bj7]

Not much to go on there. Sounds like it could be a 100-6 or 3000. Also does not sound like there is much value there either. No Healey ever had a build plate with someones name on it.

 

[smcmanus]

Here is a pic. Build plate appears to be original. Says "Austin of England on the deck lid. Hope someone can ID it for me.
Thanks
Steve

 

[stevebn2bj7]

That helps a great deal. it is an early 100 likely a 53 or 54. There seem to be a lot of valuable parts there and it is very restorable by an experienced person. May not make financial sense but it is doable based on this one picture. If you don't buy it I am sure I would or someone else on the forum would.

 

[zblu]

I believe the 5141 is the body number and the 6834 is the jensen company batch number, the earlier cars had the A of E badge on the boot lid, later ones had AH, on the rear shroud are there holes for the later fitted indicators?, and if you pull off a wheel are there 4 or 5 studs holding the wire extensions on?

 

[smcmanus]

I'll tell you after I pick it up tomorrow!

Is there a serial number listing for these cars?

Thanks
Steve

 

[JamesWilson]

You'll find Anderson & Moment's book useful.

If 5141 is the body number, they show 5001 built in September, 1954 and 5746 in October, 1954.

Once you have the car an exact build date (and other information) could be found from a "heritage certificate" from British Motor Heritage Industry Trust

 

[BJ8Healeys]

The statement that no Healey ever had a build plate with someone's name on it is not entirely correct. Although if by "build plate" is meant a typical VIN plate, that is probably true. However, there were some BJ7s and BJ8s (may have been earlier models as well, but I only have evidence of BJ7s and BJ8s) that had a special plaque attached to the dash by the Donald Healey Motor Company with the original owner's name.
I have a photo of two examples of these if anyone is interested. I also have a copy of a letter from Geoff Healey in which he confirmed that the plaque was provided for some specific production cars specially prepared at Warwick for the original owner. The plaque is in the form of a steering wheel, with the text: SUPPLIED TO THE SPECIAL ORDER OF [name] DONALD HEALEY WARWICK ENGLAND

For information on BN1 and BN2 Healeys, you should check with Rich Chrysler. He is the BN1 and BN2 Model Registrar: richchrysler@quickclic.net

Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC USA

 

[zblu]

The ali/silver looking cockpit/door trim should have the matching numbers stamped on the backside, also on the side of the boot/bonnet lids

 

[smcmanus]

Here is the builder's plate. Maybe installed by the dealer?

Steve

 

[smcmanus]

And here it sits on the trailer. Hmmm, what to do??

Have a nice day
Steve

 

[stevebn2bj7]

Best of luck. Looks like a lot of work, but it will be worth it should you decide to restore. If not, let me know.

Steve

 

[wheelwright]

Would like to see more pics of the rest of the car,please..I am interested in any changes from early to later 100's.. thanks!!We are doing a frame up on a BN-1 and would be happy to send you pics of the car we have.. Get to know the Dennis Welch site,they offer a lot of goodies for Healeys...How cool to have the 141st 100...If the guy has the motor,get it,factory heads are unobtainable these days...

 

[smcmanus]

dash

 

[smcmanus]

Tail

 

[smcmanus]

cuirtans

 

[d_valentino]

Here is the builder's plate. Maybe installed by the dealer?

Steve

Looks like an early BN1. There should be a plastic plate in the passenger side footwell that has the cars vin number.

 

[glemon]

Hey it has its instruments (plus a couple extras), steering wheel, turn signal switch and boss, all look intact and restorable, that is good, as that stuff is generally not available new, lots of light seen through the lower right passenge compartment, not so good.

It looks worth fixing up to me, but hey I love these cars, and they are worth it both from driver enjoyment, looks and yes if you decide to sell they do pretty well on the market restored or even in good driver condition.

Have fun, keep us posted with progress or questions.

Lastly, I think that plate from the Texas guy is a later add on, noticed there are two extra guages (upper right) the car doesn't usually have, perhaps that and some other work was done on the car by Foreign Motor Service when the car was younger.

 

[healeynut]

well well well, lookie there, original perspex sidescreens. Those alone are probably worth $1,000. I wish I had a set.

Cheers,

Alan

 

[zblu]

The first 1100 or so BN1's had these as original