1955 Austin Healey 100/4 BN2 'Cape Works Special'

Chris and Dan Everard are third-generation, Austin-Healey specialists. Their father, Jon, established JME Healeys in 1978 and, since then, JME have led the way in Austin-Healey restoration and competition preparation. The family’s passion for, and commitment to, the Marque is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that in 2008 they chose to buy the, now virtually derelict, original Cape Works and restore the buildings with the same amount of attention to detail that they lavish on their ‘Big Healey' restorations.

In 2017, JME Healeys celebrated their 40th Anniversary and to mark the occasion, they felt it fitting to build a car to their own specification using their four decades worth of experience and knowledge. Completed in February 2017, and Christened the ‘Cape Works Special’, the result surpassed all expectations in terms of its looks and performance, selling immediately to its current custodian who has cherished it ever since as part of his Private Collection.

Iconic Auctioneers are delighted to have been asked to offer this JME ‘Cape Works Special’ to the open market.

They decided that, not only should the anniversary car look fast and exciting, but it should also be exciting to drive, mixing the power and handling of a race car with the usability and reliability of a road car. The new car was a tribute to the work of original stylist, Gerry Coker, echoing the simple purity of line that so captivated Austin Motor Company Managing Director, Leonard Lord, when he first set eyes upon the original aluminium-bodied Healey Hundred peeping out from behind a pillar at the London Motor Show in 1952.

It’s finished in Stornoway Grey Metallic, a Land Rover colour that really suits the car and is a nod to the c50 BN2s that were finished in Gunmetal Grey in period. Its looks are enhanced by 72-spoke Borrani wire wheels finished in black with three-eared knock-offs, the traditional louvred bonnet with leather strap, beautifully engineered folding Aeroscreens, and inviting bucket seats finished in glorious red.

The specification is impressive and is detailed below:

• New chassis fitted with new front and rear bulkheads using handmade panels, all assembled in-house. Chassis strengthened and modified at identified weak points.
• All-Aluminium lightweight outer body.
• Uprated and adjustable front and rear suspension.
• Front and rear anti-roll bars, custom fabricated and fully rose-jointed.
• Dual-circuit, racing pedal box setup with 4-pot alloy calipers and vented front discs. Rear discs with 3-pot alloy rear calipers.
• 3.54 final drive axle-ratio
• 2954cc from an original 100/4 block and producing 200bhp
• Full steel bottom-end with JME spec camshaft, forged pistons and roller rockers.
• JME Race side-exit exhaust system.
• JME custom hydraulic concentric clutch release bearing.
• Custom built, foam-filled fuel tank.
• LED Headlights.
• JME 100/4 sports bucket seats with full tailored leather interior.
• Tailored short Tonneau Cover.
• Lightweight 72-spoke Borrani wheels.

Supplied with its UK V5C Registration Document confirming that 228 UYO is registered as a 1955 Austin Healey, Chassis number ‘BN2-L/228481’, Engine number ‘1B/228481’ and Body number ‘10562’. Accompanying the car is a comprehensive photo album documenting the build process and detailing the investment involved in the restoration.

Complete with two sets of keys, a Thor Hammer, and a jack, this beautiful Healey is being offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate today. A remarkable Healey, perhaps the ultimate BN2 and an unrepeatable opportunity. We invite and encourage your close inspection at our Sywell Aerodrome Sale on May 17th.