767 KNX
Chassis Number: HBJ7 64H572

Engine Number: XSP21572

Body Colour: Blue

Trim Colour: Grey

Auction Date: 14th February 2001

 

Austin Healey 3000 MkII 767 KNX

 

Selling Price: 85,000 UK Pounds Sterling (£89,250)
                    124,100 US Dollars ($130,305)

                    224,400 Australian Dollars ($235,620)

 

This would have been the similar figure for the last 'Works' car at auction UJB 143, if the rear bulkhead had not been changed to the four seat.

Lee and Ros Collins, from Southport Queensland can expect a similar price for their SMO Thelma Segal's old car.

Another BT7 with Webers, Rear Disc brakes, Works Hardtop etc sold for 30,000 UK pounds sterling plus premium. 

With the exception of the Abingdon entries in occasional long distance races like the 1965 Targa Floria, it was the Healey concern at Warwick, which concentrated on the Works blessed efforts in circuit racing. It was in this type of Motor sport that the Healey company had always specialised and excelled, so it was quite logical that they should continue to develop Big Healeys for that purpose.

Austin Healey had always relied heavily on the American market for their sales and shortly after the introduction of the Six Cylinder cars Donald and Geoffrey Healey decided that the most valuable event for their marquee, as far as suitability for competition and favourable publicity was concerned, was Sebring. Although Healeys were never the fastest runners, their legendary toughness matched up well with the battering demands of Florida's twelve hour endurance race.

In 1963 three cars were prepared - 54 FAC, 55 FAC and 56 FAC and only two cars were sent, The Olthoff/Bucknum car came 12th.

In 1964 Austin Healey 767 KNX was the only car entered and after a memorable fine drive by Paddy Hopkirk, Co driver Grant Clark crashed within minutes of taking over. The car was to have various owners over the next 37 years until the present.

Built by the factory for the 1964 12 hour international race at Sebring in Florida for Paddy Hopkirk and Canadian driver Grant Clark. The car retired form the race due to a mishap. the Factory rebuilt the car to "As New" after the crash at Sebring and sold it to a private buyer by the name of Henry Crowther. Unfortunately his club events were to be thwarted as the car was penalised due to its lightweight construction and was forced to move up a class rendering it uncompetitive. In October 1965 Henry sold 767 KNX to Ted Worswick.

Ted had a wider field at his disposal and so entered the gruelling Targa Floria with Alan Minshaw as Co Driver. After 90 miles into the race the L.S.D failed, some say Ted was to retire for he spent a couple of days heavy drinking with the native Sicilians.

On the return trip to the UK with a higher ratio fitted to the back axle, 767KNX covered 125 Autobahn miles in one hour. On route numerous Porsches and Ferrari's were despatched while crossing the alps.

767 KNX is an original purpose built Works race car as opposed to the Rally version. The car has been completely rebuilt to pristine condition and will be a wonderful opportunity for a serious collector to obtain one of the more rare historic competition Big Healeys.