Earls Court Motor Show Austin-Healey 100 Restored To Its Former Glory

April 14, 2017 by Bonhams

Despite its immaculate outward appearance, this 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 would not have always appeared so at ease on the concours lawn. Originally created as one of the show cars for the 1955 Earls Court Motor Show – in customer-attracting Florida Green over Old English White, with Florida Green interior trim and upholstery – TAC 787 was re-discovered in a pretty sorry state.

The owner, Steve Norton of Austin-Healey specialists Cape International, has devoted years to amassing information, researching provenance and restoring the car which will be offered at Bonhams Festival of Speed sale at Goodwood on 30 June.

For the first decade of its life, the car's travels and service history were meticulously documented, and receipts detailing every oil change, engine overhaul and clutch assembly accompany the lot. Images of 'TAC 787' at Lake Garda in Italy illustrate that the car enjoyed Continental tours during the early 1960s before being sold, via the classifieds in The Times newspaper, to a gentleman in Woking.

Despite its immaculate outward appearance, this 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 would not have always appeared so at ease on the concours lawn. Originally created as one of the show cars for the 1955 Earls Court Motor Show – in customer-attracting Florida Green over Old English White, with Florida Green interior trim and upholstery – TAC 787 was re-discovered in a pretty sorry state.

The owner, Steve Norton of Austin-Healey specialists Cape International, has devoted years to amassing information, researching provenance and restoring the car which will be offered at Bonhams Festival of Speed sale at Goodwood on 30 June.

For the first decade of its life, the car's travels and service history were meticulously documented, and receipts detailing every oil change, engine overhaul and clutch assembly accompany the lot. Images of 'TAC 787' at Lake Garda in Italy illustrate that the car enjoyed Continental tours during the early 1960s before being sold, via the classifieds in The Times newspaper, to a gentleman in Woking.