Austin-Healey’s and the Austin Healey Car Club of NZ and Others

[Roger Dowding]

Ownership Number three - we are now in 1985 - the car having sat since 1970.

Myles Hicks writes ;

" Gavin purchased the car in 1985, as it sat for the last period, with the Cooper still sitting with it.
When we got the car it had a tow bar fitted which slid out, apparently they would tow the Cooper to the meetings behind the Healey, remove the tow bar, one raced the Healey, the other the Cooper, then hook it all up again at the end of the meeting.
After sitting in our shed for another 30+ years, Gavin started the restoration last year. Sadly he passed away before it was completed. I have continued with the restoration which is getting close to completion. It was in very original condition, only done 39,000 miles.
"

Ross Cammicks notes ;

" I think the McLaughlin car is the Ruddspeed Healey that belongs to Myles Hicks (do you remember Gavin Hicks father of Myles and Justin. He passed away recently)
It was fitted with a 4000 big Austin motor and the original Ruddspeed was fitted into a A95 Sedan which I think hit a bridge and killed one of the McLaughlin brothers.
When Gavin bought the Healey the 4000 was still in the car and they could drive it. The A95 was parked in damaged condition under a tree with the Ruddspeed engine
out beside it.
Myles noted about the 4000 engine ;

" Interesting it’s listed as 4000 as most of the programs had it entered as 4200.
The original motor would had been 4000, so they must have done the enlargement after this date - referring to the Dec 1964 entry list shows 4000cc whereas the 1966 entry list 420occ "

Myles is currently finishing the car which had only about 40000 miles on it and in very nice condition bodywise for its age. Old English white over black as original with a black works hardtop.
It has a lot of mods fitted from Ruddspeed including an original 100S oil cooler. It’s a 1959 3000 BT7 .. Edited ..

They found a buyer with a Jensen 541 who wanted a modified 4000cc Austin 6. Probably the only person who would want one of those boat anchors!
"

Photos from the Montage - separated out.







The burnt out A90/6



Scrutineering stickers from the Car -last warrant was in 1970.



The whole Montage [ posted before ]




Restoration photos to follow ;