In 1952, Donald Healey brought his newly designed two-seater Austin sports car to the Earl’s Court Motor Show. The stunning “100” won over the crowd, as well as the British Motor Corporation, and the prototype was ordered into production. By the time the Healey 100 made its appearance at the 1953 International Motor Sports Show in New York, it was in production at Austin’s factory at Longbridge and had become the Austin-Healey 100. It was simple, robust, and reasonably priced at $2,995.

Austin-Healey launched the 100-6 in 1956, with the new Austin Westminster, 2,639-cubic centimeter, six-cylinder engine and jump seats in the back. In 1959, the final version of the Austin-Healey engine arrived. At 2,912 cubic centimeters, it precipitated a name change to Austin-Healey 3000, and its top speed went up to 115 mph. The introduction of the Series BJ7 Mark II in 1962, with a curved-windshield and windup windows, was greeted with sighs of relief by those who had wanted a more comfortable grand tourer-style Austin-Healey. At this point, the two-seater was abandoned, and only a 2+2 was built.

The Mark II offered here is reportedly a long-time California car. Several years ago, it was the recipient of an excellent, body-off, full restoration, which was performed by respected Austin-Healey authority Kurt Tanner. Finished in Olde English White with genuine red leather trim, it has only been very lightly driven since restoration, and it remains virtually show-quality in every way, with an outstandingly smooth body and paint, beautifully refinished chrome and polished stainless steel trim, and correct wiring and electrical components. Options include an overdrive gearbox, chrome knock-off wire wheels, an adjustable steering wheel, and a heater. The car is very well detailed, as expected from a Tanner restoration, with even the area under the dashboard reportedly well presented.

For the Austin-Healey buyer who demands weatherproof comfort alongside spirited performance, or for the enthusiast seeking a show-quality example of a classic British sports car, this wonderful Mark II fits the bill.