[Healeys] RM Auction Monterey - 3 Healeys for sale

[Michael MacLean]

     Thank you Curt.  Tom is a close friend of mine and I personally watched
this car being built.  I don't know how many times Tom has told me of the
"Healey people" that haunt the auction, never intending on buying anything. 
They come over and criticize Tom's restoration and tell him, "You're ruining
the hobby".  Tom does know his market and it is not anyone on this list.  It's
usually a member of the more money than brains club that does the bidding. 
You are right Curt, the buyer usually knows nothing about Healeys, he just
knows it is a rare car. 
     As far as concours standards, not necessary for these auctions.  Tom
actually does things like chrome plate high wear areas like the plate that the
prop rod for the bonnet.  If painted, it would be scratched the first time it
was used.  Be assured though, that his mechanical restoration is more than
excellent.  His engine and transmission rebuilds are good enough that he
provides a guarantee.  Not many auction sellers do that.  It may not be
concours, but it no less a proper British car experience when driven.
Mike MacLean
56 BN2
60 AN5
 

--- On Wed, 8/1/12, Curt/Nancy Arndt <cnaarndt at gmail.com> wrote:
Listers,

Tom Rocke is a friend who brings several cars (usually Austin Healeys) to
Monterrey every year for the auctions, usually RM.  Tom does his cars his
way since he's taking the risk at auction and he seems to know what sells.
Even Kurt Tanner has gone to non standard paint and interior color
schemes.  Most of the big money at these auctions wouldn't know a Concours
Healey if it ran over them but they know what they like and will pay for it
if necessary.  To some of these folks, spending an extra $50K to get the
car they want doesn't phase them.  All they'll see is a Factory 100M and
they like the color scheme.  For restorers like Tanner and Rocke to build
the cars to Concours standards would mean less money in their pocket at the
end of the auction.

That being said, Tom builds a nice driving car they're just not Concours
correct.  I don't loose sleep over it.  FWIW.

Cheers,

Curt
Concours Chairman