2016 Austin Healey Enigma

Highlights

• Eye-catching retro-inspired Enigma

• Low-mileage example

• Mazda reliability with Healey Designs looks

• ULEZ compliant

• The ‘Emmerdale’ car - appeared on-screen in 2019

Overview

There’s no argument to the fact that classic cars look better than modern-day automobiles; whether it’s flowing lines or 90-degree edges that get you going, cars that were designed before pedestrian safety (or even occupant safety!) were valid concerns are by-and-large some of the most beautiful to have ever graced the roads, but with classic design comes classic compromise, such as iffy reliability, poor safety and the kind of wear-and-tear you’d expect from a 40,50 or 60-plus year old vehicle.

For those that want classic looks with modern underpinnings, however, we have this - a 2016 Healey Designs Enigma. Designed to emulate the classic Austin Healey (said to be a car that Donald Healey would recognise straight away, according to the Healey promotional material) the Healey Enigma utilised proven and reliable Mazda MX-5 (NC) running gear, along with a custom steel chassis and retro-inspired glass fibre bodywork. 

This particular Enigma was featured in an episode of the hit British soap opera ‘Emmerdale’ in 2019, and has earned itself the nickname of the ‘Emmerdale car’ as a result. Offered for sale having covered less than 15,000 miles from new, this example is ready to use and enjoy, and will almost certainly be the only one in the local pub car park!

History and documentation

• Registered 01 March 2016

• Service book present

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 15 Jul 2026

• V5 present - currently in the trade

• HPI clear

• Silver screen feature during Emmerdale in 2019

• Recent alloy wheel refurbishment

• London ULEZ compliant 

Interior

• Black quilted leather interior

• Heated seats

• Air-conditioning

• Double-din stereo unit with Bluetooth connectivity

• Both seats would benefit from valeting, as there are a number of water marks/stains to note

• Light wear visible to the centre console

• We note some scuffing/wear to the door sill covers

• Looking closely, there are a number of blemishes and light wear marks visible on the dashboard

• The boot is tidy, with the carpet starting to wear around the lock area

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Casino Royal grey paintwork

• Retro-inspired glass-fibre bodywork

• The front end exhibits the usual light stone chips expected from a sports car such as this

• A small pin-like indentation is visible on the lower nearside edge of the boot panel

• The third brake light housing is cracked

• Some minor imperfections and small blemishes are visible around the bodywork, specifically on the A pillars, around the door handles and on the higher-traffic areas

• The original red paintwork is beginning to wear through on the nearside rear brake caliper

• Up above, the folding roof looks to be in good order with only some typical storage marks to note

• All four wheels have been refurbished recently, and present in excellent condition with no kerb rash or damage

• Overall, a very smart example of the Healey Enigma

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Mazda-sourced inline-four engine

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• A custom steel chassis was created by Healey Designs to fit around the NC (3rd-gen) Mazda MX-5 running gear

• Advisory-free MoT until July 2026

• No reported mechanical faults or issues

Summary

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Arundel, Sussex.