AUSTIN HEALEY HMC MK 4 SE 4.6 litre

Originally called the Healey Mk 4, these cars were designed to be the successor to the legendary Austin Healey 3000. They were built by HMC embodying modern technology and comfort.  The cars were enthusiastically endorsed by Geoffrey Healey, who agreed to licence the Healey name to be used. However, at the last minute, this was blocked by Jensen. They claimed entitlement to the name via the Jensen-Healey, so the Mk 4 was re-badged as HMC.

This is a production car and emphatically not a kit car. Only 180 cars were built, with full Type Approval, and were all manufactured in the HMC factory between 1986 and 2000. This is one of the last cars built and one of approximately only 40 right hand drive cars. 

The HMC Mk 4 has remarkably high levels of performance, comfort and trim. This SE (Special Equipment) version was the top specification model. The original purchaser specified the equipment level and therefore each car is unique. No two are identical. This car has Air Conditioning and Power Steering in addition to the comprehensive specification detailed below, making it ideal for modern traffic and climatic conditions.

Hailed by the press as being a real grand touring sports car, Quentin Wilson said in an enthusiastic road test on BBC TV Top Gear, “It's a great sports car. . . seriously quick. . . instantaneous throttle response. . . no Austin Healey was ever this well-built”. 

Search You Tube for Quentin Wilson, HMC, Top Gear for full 5 minute review and road test.

All HMC cars used the Rover V8 aluminium engine, usually in 3. 9 litre form. However, this car is rare, being one of the few HMCs fitted with the 4. 6 litre version which was also used in other sports cars, including TVR and the Morgan Plus 8. 

TVR modified the 4. 6 engine for their Chimaera 450 to increase the power output (from 220 bhp to 281 bhp, it is understood). These engines are identified by ‘450' emblazoned on the air inlet plenum. The upgrades were made available for fitment to other engines. 

This HMC has the ‘450' script on the air inlet, making this possibly the only HMC Mk 4 with a 4. 6 litre engine tuned by TVR.

This car has been cherished and used sparingly all its life. Consequently, it is in wonderful condition and has only covered 15, 200 miles from new. It has always been garaged, taxed and insured for the road. It has just been serviced and has a new MoT. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Rover V8 4. 6 litre fuel injected engine tuned by TVR. 

5 speed manual all-synchromesh gearbox.

Rear wheel drive with limited slip differential. 

Independent suspension all round. 

Disc brakes on all wheels. 

Centre lock 70-spoke chrome wire wheels.

Stainless steel exhaust.

Body constructed from high impact reinforced laminates with unstressed bolt-on outer panels, built onto a tubular zinc-coated steel backbone chassis. Impact absorbing bumpers, door pillars, sills and bulkhead. 

The body trim is stainless steel and the paintwork is Porsche Midnight Blue.

EQUIPMENT AND TRIM

Power steering.

Air conditioning.

Full ventilation and heating system.

Heated reclining leather seats.

Mohair hood and hood cover.

Electric windows and opening quarter lights.

Walnut veneered dashboard.

Full Connolly leather interior.

Wilton carpet to interior and boot.

Stereo sound system.

Leather trimmed steering wheel.

Adjustable steering column.

Centre arm rest, storage tray and oddments shelf.

Cigar lighter (useful for usb connections).

Dipping interior mirror.

Laminated windscreen.

Inertia reel seat belts.

Comprehensive instrumentation.

7 inch Lucas driving lights.

Front wing vents.

Thatcham immobiliser.

Fuel cut-off switch.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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