Austin Healey Auction Watch: Two Big Healeys Listed at Mathewsons

Introduction

When these two Big Healeys appeared at Mathewsons, the headline estimates naturally attracted attention. The auction has now finished, giving us another piece of information to add to the picture: neither car was sold.

That does not make the cars any less interesting. If anything, it is a useful reminder that an auction estimate is only one part of the story. Specification, restoration history, documentation, presentation and condition can all help buyers understand a car, but an auction only results in a sale when all of the necessary factors come together.

Importantly, an unsold result does not explain why a car failed to change hands. Without further evidence, it would be inappropriate to speculate about reserve prices, bidding levels, mechanical condition, presentation or buyer sentiment.

The details below are based on the Mathewsons listings and vendor information available for the two cars. They remain useful examples of the sort of specification, history and restoration information worth examining when considering any Austin Healey.

Lot 112: 1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mk3

Lot 112 was offered as a 1965 Austin Healey 3000 Mk3. The listing records the car as a 2912cc Austin Healey with registration ABH 272C, manufactured in 1965 and first registered on 12 November 1998. A current V5 was also noted as present.

Mathewsons described the car as a Big Healey 3000 Mk3 finished in Old English White with a black mohair hood, chrome wire wheels and black leather interior. Paperwork was said to include MOT certificates, old tax discs, valuation certificates, previous insurance certificates, printed information about the make and model, photographs and invoices.

Why this 3000 Mk3 remains interesting

The 3000 Mk3 is one of the most familiar later Big Healeys, combining six-cylinder character with the more developed specification of the final production years.

For owners and restorers, the useful details extend beyond paint colour and trim. Paperwork, hood condition, interior condition, wheels, bodywork and general presentation all contribute to understanding a car and the work it may have received during its life.

A smart-looking Healey still deserves careful inspection, particularly around body structure, chassis condition, braking, cooling, electrical equipment and evidence of earlier restoration work.

The unsold result adds another factual detail to the car's history, but it does not explain why a sale was not completed and should not be treated as a judgement on the car itself.

View Lot 112 on Mathewsons Watch Lot 112 Video

Lot 294: 1958 Austin Healey BN6 100/6

Lot 294 was offered as a 1958 Austin Healey BN6 100/6. The listing records the car as a 2912cc Austin Healey with registration DSL 438, manufactured in 1958 and first registered on 24 May 1999. A current V5 was also noted as present.

Paperwork was said to include a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, owner's handbook, service manual, a photo album containing restoration photographs, horn fitting instructions and invoices.

The vendor notes described the car as a two-seater originally from California, repatriated to the UK in 1999 and converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.

They also described a chassis-up restoration including the engine, gearbox and overdrive. The listing stated that the engine had been upgraded to 2912cc and mentioned a Lucas dynamo-alternator, electronic ignition, larger-capacity radiator, powder-coated wire wheels with recently fitted period tyres, retrimmed interior, new exhaust and cerakoted manifold.

Why this BN6 100/6 remains interesting

The BN6 is an interesting Big Healey because it combines the earlier 100/6 shape with a two-seater layout. The Mathewsons listing also highlighted several restoration and ownership points worth considering, including repatriation, conversion from left-hand drive to right-hand drive, chassis-up restoration work, engine changes and usability improvements.

Those details deserve careful checking on any restored or modified Healey. Conversion quality, restoration documentation, cooling performance, charging and ignition changes, gearbox and overdrive operation, body alignment and chassis condition all help build a clearer picture of the car.

With any modified or restored Healey, the workmanship and evidence behind the work matter as much as the list of changes themselves.

As with the 3000 Mk3, the fact that the BN6 was not sold tells us the outcome of the auction, but not the reason behind it.

View Lot 294 on Mathewsons Watch Lot 294 Video

Two Interesting Healeys, Whatever the Result

Neither car found a buyer at the auction, but both remain useful examples of how much specification, restoration history and presentation can vary between Big Healeys.

For owners and enthusiasts following the market, the real value is often in the detail. Looking beyond the estimate to the condition, history and work carried out can tell you far more about an individual Healey.

Useful Checks When Viewing an Austin Healey at Auction

Whether a car sells or not, auction listings provide a useful reminder of the details worth investigating before buying an Austin Healey. Documentation, restoration photographs, invoices, hood and trim condition, electrical changes, cooling improvements and wheel choices can all help build a clearer picture of a car.

Each Healey still needs to be judged on its own evidence. A repatriated car, older restoration, right-hand-drive conversion, modified charging system or larger radiator may all form part of a perfectly usable car, but the quality of the work and supporting paperwork remain important.

These checks are a practical starting point only. A professional inspection is recommended before buying or bidding on any classic car.

Still Looking for an Austin Healey for Sale?

If either of these cars caught your attention, an auction is only one route into Austin Healey ownership. Enthusiast-owned cars, private sales and specialist listings can also give buyers more time to ask questions, review history and compare a car against their plans.

The A H Spares Healeys For Sale section brings together Austin Healeys currently being advertised by owners and enthusiasts. Whether you are comparing Big Healeys, looking for a Sprite or simply following the cars currently available, it is another useful place to continue your search.

Owners thinking of selling an Austin Healey can also advertise their car through A H Spares with no listing fee.