Donald Healey's eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show. It was based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals and sported a sleek body designed by Gerry Coker and built by Tickford. It was dubbed the `Healey Hundred' (a moniker chosen to reflect the car's ability to reach 100mph), and, subject to a suitably encouraging response, Healey planned to build production versions in-house at his factory in Warwick. As things transpired, not only did the Ice Blue prototype impress the public, but also so excited Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge. The newcomer was renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The rest is history. The `Big' Healey enjoyed steady development with the four cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six of 1956, which was followed by the first of the 3000s in 1959 and the MKII 3000 in 1961. Identifiable by its new grille and bonnet air intake, the MKII was still available as a two-seater (BN7) or four-seater (BT7). Power was increased to 132bhp, courtesy of a superior camshaft and trio of 1.5 inch HS4 SU carburettors mounted on separate inlet manifolds.

The smartly-presented lefthand drive BT7 now offered was purchased in New York in 2013 by the vendor as a rust-free example. It has subsequently been comprehensively refurbished at a cost of £12,000, during which: the engine was fully overhauled; the interior trim, hood, carpets and wire wheels all renewed; and the Healey repainted in its original livery of Cream over Blue. The car currently still wears its American registration of `NY3341', but has a NOVA certificate confirming the VAT has been paid. It is being sold complete with invoice relating to its purchase from Gullwing Motor cars Inc. of Astoria, New York.