When Alvis Motor and the Healey Company struck a deal in the early 1950’s to build a car together, the result was a car that was both beautiful and fantastic to drive. Sadly, after only 25 cars were built production was cancelled. This 1953 Alvis-Healey is one of the 25 built and is believed to be one of the 7 left. The seller claims it is highly original and that it has been parked for a number of years. While most cars with this kind of pedigree would typically be sold by a major auction house, the seller has decided to list it here on eBay.
To create this attractive vehicle, Healey sent Alvis their new G-Type chassis. From there, the Panelcraft aluminum body was installed, followed by Alvis’ 3 liter straight-six. The 3 liter was good for 106 horsepower and offered respectable performance. It appears that this is the original numbers matching motor and is currently running nicely.
The seller claims the paint and chrome are all original, but they admit that the seats and the steering wheel have both been replaced. Thankfully, neither looks out of place and could almost pass for original. This interior is simplistic and elegant, like most British Sport cars of the era. We definitely wouldn’t mind taking a seat behind that large banjo style steering wheel.
This is one car we would love to own, but it’s definitely out of our price range. One in rougher shape went to auction about a year ago and sold for around 40k, so we are sure this one will go for considerably more. It will also likely be expensive to own, as parts could be costly and difficult to find. Would you rather spend the extra for this rare car or save yourself a little cash and just get a Big Healey?
Stunning. My new favourite Healey.
What a neat little car, very collectable…
I wonder why they apparently haven’t repaired the tachometer. Otherwise a beautiful machine!
Have never seen one of these but the excellent presentation makes me feel like I just did.
Talk about exclusive: 1 of maybe 7 left. Looks a lot like the Nash-Healey but RHD for the UK. Very classy, and I really love that banjo steering wheel with the little chrome lever at the top of the hub to run the turn signals—slightly left for the left side signals, slightly right for the right side. The Austin Healey had the same kind of lever.
The details are very appealing—great headlights, instrument panel, elegant body, even the disk wheels. You normally want wires on Brit sporting cars but somehow these disks look just right.
Bonhams sold one last year for 39K GBP (=$64K), and I somehow doubt that this will get bid that high on eBay, but it should. That’s a bargain when you compare to the prices of an Ace Bristol or even ‘regular’ Austin Healeys.
I love the ugly-duckling go-faster cars.
i too have never seen one of these. learned something new today. what a beautiful car. i wonder why the deal to build them failed. again some interesting cars in the background.