They were classics then - and now
The car is seen here in pristine condition at a pre-race scrutineering in 1955, soon before the fateful Le Mans episode which would leave it in tatters
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This Austin-Healey is set to fetch £1million despite needing much attention
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AUSTIN POWERS
An Austin-Healey rebuild
Words and photos by ANNE KRUGER and DAVID KISBY
It takes time, energy and knowledge to rebuild a car. In the case of this particular Austin Healey, a 1958 BN2, 4 cylinder roadster, it took four years to restore.
As a ‘basket case', The 'Healey’ was transported to Frankston South where efforts began to rebuild.
Repair to the chassis and body was first then the welding of steel and aluminium panels. Doors to remake, new catches, damage repair to the roll pan, differential remade in the backyard and lots of painting.
The braking system had to be remodified following a total rebuild of the headlight sockets, repairs to corners of the engine bay to stop cracking and the refitting of the grill after panel beating.
As a ‘basket case', The 'Healey’ was transported to Frankston South where efforts began to rebuild.
Repair to the chassis and body was first then the welding of steel and aluminium panels. Doors to remake, new catches, damage repair to the roll pan, differential remade in the backyard and lots of painting.
The braking system had to be remodified following a total rebuild of the headlight sockets, repairs to corners of the engine bay to stop cracking and the refitting of the grill after panel beating.
Slowly the shape of new the Healey emerged and the fitting of the windscreen, bonnet and hood brought great satisfaction.
All panels were primed, stone guarded and painted; hinges dismantled and coated then on to making the templates for the carpets and seat rebuilding.
It was almost three years before the shell went for the final panel work and painting. The colour was ‘Red Hot’ 687F.
After the final paint, it was time to put it all together, make adjustments and off to Vic Roads for inspection and registration.
It was a labour of love for a car desired since a teenager.
All panels were primed, stone guarded and painted; hinges dismantled and coated then on to making the templates for the carpets and seat rebuilding.
It was almost three years before the shell went for the final panel work and painting. The colour was ‘Red Hot’ 687F.
After the final paint, it was time to put it all together, make adjustments and off to Vic Roads for inspection and registration.
It was a labour of love for a car desired since a teenager.
