A Healey Apprenticeship That Became a Lifelong Dream

Paul Stanforth with his Austin Healey BJ7 in Healey Blue at Southam Classic Car and Bike Show, celebrating his 50-year dream.

Back in 1965, Paul Stanforth wasn’t just another lad with oily hands. He was an apprentice in the Experimental Department of the Donald Healey Motor Company. Three years later, his time at Warwick was over — but the idea of owning an Austin Healey BJ7 stayed with him.

Now, fifty years later, Paul finally has the Healey he always wanted. And yes, it’s going to be finished in that iconic Healey Blue over Old English White two-tone scheme.

Rear view of Austin Healey BJ7 in Healey Blue at a classic car show, showcasing chrome bumper, badges, and heritage styling.

Dreams Don’t Expire — They Just Take the Scenic Route

For Paul, the Austin Healey BJ7 isn’t just a car — it’s the destination at the end of a fifty-year journey. His apprenticeship at the Donald Healey Motor Company gave him a glimpse of these machines in their prime, but the chance to own one always seemed just out of reach.

Now, with the keys finally in his hand, that dream is alive again. The BJ7 is more than nostalgia; it’s proof that the pull of a Healey never weakens. Built between 1962 and 1963, the BJ7 brought in roll-up windows, better weather protection, and a level of touring comfort that earlier Big Healeys couldn’t match. Today, those same qualities make it a rewarding classic to drive as well as admire — exactly the kind of car that rewards patience with every mile.

Why the BJ7 Was Worth the Wait

  • A Rare Chapter in Healey History: Produced for just over a year, the BJ7 carries the charm of exclusivity without losing everyday usability.
  • Built for the Road: With its first proper hood and roll-up windows, the BJ7 was designed to be driven, not just admired in a garage.
  • Classic Two-Tone Elegance: Healey Blue over Old English White isn’t just paint — it’s an instantly recognisable link to the era that shaped the marque.
  • Born from Innovation: Crafted in Warwick and proven in competition, the BJ7 reflects the engineering spirit Paul once witnessed as an apprentice.

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The Healey Dream, Realised at Last

For Paul, taking ownership of a BJ7 wasn’t just about buying a car. It was about completing a journey that began in the workshops at Warwick more than fifty years ago. The same enthusiasm that carried him through his apprenticeship now greets him every time he turns the key.

The BJ7 stands as a reminder that some dreams never fade. They wait patiently, gathering strength until the right moment arrives. Paul’s Healey is proof that passion, once sparked, can carry across decades and still deliver the same thrill as the very first day.

And just as Paul’s story shows, Healeys are at their best when they’re driven and shared. If you want to write your own chapter in Healey history, there’s no better place to start than at a gathering of fellow owners.

Plan Your Next Healey Outing →

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