The AACA museum library has an interesting folder on Austin-Healeys. About
6 or 7 years ago, I found several magazine articles in the folder, including
one on a BJ8 that was put together by John Chatham from left-over parts in
1971. The article indicates that a Mr. Pinnell saw the partially completed
car in Chatham's shop and requested that it be completed for him. It was,
and was registered as a new car in August, 1971, the only 1971 BJ8 ever
made. The article had pictures of a red car with tan top, Minilite wheels,
and a UK registration of DAE 198K. I'm still trying to find out what VIN
was put on the car, and where it is today. At the time of the article, Mr.
Pinell's children had outgrown the car and it was for sale.
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com@autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of
John Sims
Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2007 1:57 PM
To: Healey List
Subject: [Healeys] Sightints
So here we are on vacation in Hershey, PA and we decided to go through the
AACA Museum to see some antique cars. Lo and behold, when we got into the
gift shop (like any attraction, you must go through it to exit the property)
hanging up on the wall is one half of a BN2. At least I think it was because
it had the fold down windscreen and indent on the rear quarter panel.
Anyway, it appears that it was fiberglass EXCEPT that the wire wheels were
48 spoke painted, and the sawed off part of windscreen looked genuine.
Interestingly, there was a docent walking through the property speaking with
people and when I expressed an interest in 50's sports cars, she mentioned
MG. She had never heard of an Austin Healey until I told her that a piece of
one was hanging on the wall.
Moral -- docents know only what they have learned word for word from a
brochure -- at least at this place.
John Sims, BN6
Aberdeen, NJ
www.healey6.com
_______________________________________________
Healeys@autox.team.net
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
|