[Healeys] FW: RE: 100 Body Numbers

[BJ8Healeys]

The link to the Jensen story, in the BJ8 section, quotes me in a couple places, but incorrectly.  BJ8s did not have a “Jensen number” on the “brightwork”, but did have a number stamped in three places by Jensen:  
On the fixed part of the bonnet latch, just in front of the radiator

On the driver’s side (in reference to LHD cars) bonnet flange where the hinge is bolted

On the underside of the boot lid where the prop rod attaches.

 

The number begins with a letter, followed by one, two, or three numerical digits.  The earliest Phase 1 cars have the letter “E”.  Each letter could accommodate 999 bodies before switching to the next letter.  The latest Phase 2 BJ8s had the letter V.  Interestingly, the very last car, 43026, has only the number “2” and no letter.

 

I have been documenting BJ8 Batch/Body numbers for many years and currently have them for 2,929 cars.   I’ve only been documenting the Jensen numbers against the chassis and body numbers for a few years, but have them for 324 cars to date.  I would like to have more, and would have if everyone with a BJ8 would send them to me.

 

Hank:  I am not sure what is meant by “The last BJ8 car finished, painted in Metallic Golden Beige…”  The highest chassis number of the Metallic Golden Beige cars is 43025, which is the one in the photograph with UK registration OAC 656F, but it was not the last MGB car completed on the production line.  I document 15 others that were completed later than 16 Nov 67.    The actual last BJ8 finished on the line was 43000, a BRG car completed on 11 Jan 68.

 

Steve Byers

HBJ8L/36666

BJ8 Registry

AHCA Delegate at  Large

Havelock, NC  USA

 

From: Healeys [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Henry G Leach via Healeys
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 3:03 PM
To: 'healeys at autox.team.net'
Subject: [Healeys] FW: RE: 100 Body Numbers

 

 

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From: gradea1 at charter.net
To: "Perry Small"
Cc: 
Sent: Thursday September 15 2022 12:01:55PM
Subject: RE: [Healeys] 100 Body Numbers

All-unfortunately, due to Jensen shipping bodies in no particular order, it is basically difficult, if not impossible, to look up a car without the chassis number plate assigned by Austin. I have all of the numerical chassis numbers from the 1953-54 production but only about 300 body numbers associated with those cars. 

 

I wrote a long explanation of the various Coronet Cream cars I have on the list, including Alan's 793, chassis#148521 restored by Rich Chrysler and built 11-26-53. However my email supplier dumped my draft, and it contained quite a lot of information lost. I will say that some CC cars carried bodies 1274, 1535, 1611 and 1651 as late as January 1954. It is possible that the apron that Perry has was from a CC car based on the paint shown but without the chassis, I am unable to find it. Needless to say, the car is now NLS(no longer survives) having landed in Perry parts bin.

 

There are some enthusiasts that "question" the Coronet Cream paint theme related to the Queen's Coronation, and I am looking further into that, even though that note has been published in many books there is still controversary. Some may also believe that the last BJ8 car finished, painted in Metallic Golden Beige, is a modern day representation of CC...Hank

 

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From: "Perry Small via Healeys"
To: "Austin Healey"
Cc:
Sent: Thursday September 15 2022 8:57:22AM
Subject: [Healeys] 100 Body Numbers

Listers and Hank
Anyone have a listing of the Jenson stamped body numbers with corresponding build dates. Going through a bunch of body parts, photo shows the front bumper valance, that might have a connection to the Coronet creame paint color.
Perry



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