Healey Corvette (1960) for sale in Brightlingsea, United Kingdom

English

Born out of a love of the water and for water skiing, few realise that the esteemed Donald Healey, founder of The Donald Healey Motor Company, also ventured into sports boat production. His motor enterprise focussed on producing quality high-performance cars which were inevitably expensive due to low production volume, and the boat business was established to bring the same sporting spirit to the water. Later judging that a cheaper sports car marketable in large numbers was the way forward, and one that would fit between MG and Jaguar cars, Healey designed a two-seat roadster employing numerous low-cost Austin components, the Healey Hundred. Austin chief Sir Leonard Lord was so impressed when he first saw it, he offered to make it in his own factories under the name Austin-Healey. And so Austin Healey was born. It was Healeys love of water and for fast boats that led him to form Healey Marine, to take the spirit of the sports car brand into sports boats. The final boat produced by Healey Marine was the "Healey Corvette". This deep V hull was provided for the fisherman who wanted to go offshore as well as the water ski enthusiast who wanted to go fast! The boat utilised a fibreglass hull which was much wider than previous Healey Marine boats at almost 2m in width. This exceedingly-rare and beautifully presented example is of the last boats to be produced by Healey Marine. One of only three known to be in existence, this particular boat was restored to its correct factory specification a number of years ago, and still looks fantastic to this day. Having spent a large proportion of its lifetime as part of a prized Healey collection means it has spent very little time in the water compared to most pleasure crafts of this age. Ready to re-commission and enjoy, this is an extremely unusual opportunity to obtain a genuine piece of marine history, and one not to be missed by any Healey or small boat enthusiast - as with the cars, Healey boats are very much collectors’ items and are sure to appreciate in value.

Deck: Heavy duty rubbing strake, Hardtop with original Healey badging. Mechanical cable steering. Aluminium-framed side opening windows with glass inserts. Shaped Perspex panoramic front windscreen, Navigation lights to forepeak, foredeck with centre cleat, fairleads to forward bow port and starboards, large opening hatch to sleeping area under, rear cleats, warps and 2 x shaped fenders. Self-draining engine well with transom plate. Transom bungs. Facility to add a cockpit cover if required

Cabin: Fully-refurbished during its previous restoration, the cabin still presents in fantastic condition. Original steering wheel and instrument panel, original Evinrude electronic gear selector. The vinyl seats are in showroom condition with no scuffs or tears. The metal work of the gear selector and steering wheel displays a lovely patina which only adds to the character of this unusual and stylish boat. There is a place to sleep for two under the foredeck. The rear bench seat houses a large locker with metal portable fuel tank, battery and room for storage of ropes and fenders. Carpeted throughout the floor areas, and partial hull sides with the remainder finished with padded vinyl surrounds with red piping.

Cockpit: Vinyl padded dash panel with clean lines and finished with red piping. Sculpted centrally to allow for ingress/egress to forward occasional sleeping area. Original steering wheel with column finale.

Electronics: Central instrument panel housing ammeter, ignition switch and chock.

Machinery: Original Evinrude 75hp Electric Shift Starflight V 2-stroke outboard engine. Other than requiring a full service due to a prolonged period of inactivity, the engine is in full working and condition. Original Evinrude electric shift selector, instrument panel with ammeter, electric engine ignition and choke for cold starting.

Trailer: 1,300kg DeGraff single axle galvanised braked bunk trailer.