Austin Healey 3000MK111 - FVX 803B - Late Dads

[neutral 3]

I normally have a pretty good success rate, in tracking down cars and their history, but I’ve drawn a blank so far, with trying to find my Late Dads Ice metalic blue, 3000 MK111 Austin Healey.

Dad bought it ( and a new grey Mini Van ) new from W.J. Wells of Woodford Green, in August 64. In circa 1966 or 67, he sold it to a pal called Macdonald Peaty. Mac sadly died not long after and Dad bought the Healey back, in 1968.
It was very grubby and neglected, as it had sat, for some time.
I remember him saying that “ it would be worth money one day, as they don’t make the Healey any more “

I also recall him saying that he sold it to Hampton Motors ( long gone ) of Chingford Mount ( Hampton Motors owner had a red Healey ) and that Hamptons had sold it on to a Mr Reeves. This would have been in 1968.

However, a few back, whilst going through some of my archive of Motor Sport magazines, there it was for sale in the February 1969 issue, @ that place of paradise, Performance Cars, of the Great West Rd, Brentford.

Sadly Performance Cars closed down in the late 80s. It’s possible, that they may have sold it on to an American Service Man, who shipped it back home to the States ( As So many did ) or of course, that it was sold to a British customer and was subsequently written off, or stolen etc.

The plate doesn’t show on the DVLA, but that’s not to say, that it’s not in their system.

I have the cars Vin number.

I’ve tried a few Healey clubs in the States etc.
No HPi system years ago, so it’s unlikely that an Insurance record of it survives.
Anyone have any other suggestions ?

[john2443]

You said it may have gone to the US, so equally it may not. Have you tried the UK AHC? https://www.austinhealeyclub.com/pages/officers.ht... - scroll down to Marque Register Secretaries

[Lily the Pink]

I think most British sportscars bought by GI Joes were bought new as they were able to avoid/reclaim purchase tax if exported within a certain timeframe - as I say, I think that was the case. They would also usually have been LHD. So I don't think it particularly likely that this one would have been bought by a US serviceman. Mell Ward is the AHC's 3000 Register Secretary.

[neutral 3]

Lily the Pink said:

I think most British sportscars bought by GI Joes were bought new as they were able to avoid/reclaim purchase tax if exported within a certain timeframe - as I say, I think that was the case. They would also usually have been LHD. So I don't think it particularly likely that this one would have been bought by a US serviceman. Mell Ward is the AHC's 3000 Register Secretary.

Sorry, Lilly, but that’s not correct.
Many US serviceman, bought used cars in Britain and Germany / Europe and then shipped them back home, to the States. They got $$ free shipping.