2012-11-15 16:29:47 | Lofty writes:

For sale on e-bay: cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/

The first of the six-cylinder Healeys, this 1958 100-6 has been neatly restored with a few upgrades that make it the ideal British touring car. Finished in an unusual color combination that sparkles, as well as a gorgeous interior, it offers more than $15,000 worth of recent restoration work and fewer than 2000 miles since it was completed.

The colors are Pacific Green with white side coves, and the effect is stunning. The Healey's shape just lends itself naturally to a two-tone combination, but few are as striking and beautifully rendered as this one. Expert bodywork has returned the hand-formed sheetmetal to as-new condition, with tight gaps and great panel alignment that are hallmarks of a first-class restoration. Healeys have always projected an aura of power and refinement, and this one is no different, hunkering on its haunches like a cat about to spring, it's every bit as entertaining to drive as it looks. Chrome and brightwork has been fully restored, including the lovely Healey grille, bumpers, and all the badges that adorn the car. Accessory driving lights have been fitted up front, giving it a sporting look, and dual mirrors make it easy to drive in today's traffic.

Gorgeous is the only way to describe the beautifully restored interior. With cream-colored seating surfaces with green piping, it's a lovely combination that complements the bodywork extremely well. The Healey's longer wheelbase allows two small rear seats, and while they're best reserved for children or luggage, they are no less carefully stitched than the front buckets. New carpets were fitted and the hand-crafted door panels offer utility as well as style with deep storage pockets. The original Smiths gauges appear to have been rebuilt and all work as they should, and the steering wheel is a correct wood-rimmed unit. A black folding top has been installed, and it includes a set of rigid plexiglass sidecurtains that seal up reasonably well, just in case.

The 100-6 was powered by a 2.6 liter Austin inline-six rated at a relatively brawny 102 horsepower, which provides entertaining performance in the lightweight roadster. Faithfully restored in Austin's peculiar shade of metallic light green, the engine rumbles to life easily, inhaling through twin carburetors and emitting the most wonderful baritone roar at full throttle. The engine bay has been neatly detailed with a great many period-correct components, and the work looks quite recent. Underneath, a Toyota 5-speed manual transmission has been installed, giving the big engine very long legs on the highway, thanks to an overdrive gear, and it, too, has been painted to match the engine so it blends in easily. A stainless exhaust system and retrofitted front disc brakes are additional smart upgrades. The steel disc wheels are a pleasant change from the more commonly seen wire wheels, and it wears 165-15 tires that look suitably vintage.