A Midlands-based classic car restoration specialist will be competing for honours at the prestigious Concours of Elegance event at Hampton Court Palace in September when it unveils the restoration of a rare Austin Healey 100S sports car.
Renowned for its restoration of historic and important Austin Healey cars, Redditch-based Cape International was one of several specialists considered by the owner for this project.
Acknowledging the clients instruction Capes MD Steve Norton said “We’ve owned, sold and restored a few of these unique cars over the years, it was this proven ability and our stocks of rare parts that reassured the client”.
Built to be a lightweight race car, the S Model is an increasingly scarce sight in the classic car world, with numbers dwindling to an estimated 35 from the original 55 that Austin Healey manufactured.
This 100S is the latest in a line of rare and unique Austin Healey cars entrusted to Cape International for preservation including pre-production and unique motor show models, one of which is on permanent display at the Austin Healey Museum in Holland.
“The 100S sits proudly in the pantheon of great British cars so it will be a privilege to represent the Austin Healey Club at the Concours of Elegance,” Steve said.
Alongside this concours restoration, Cape International are producing a toolroom copy using an equally rare original production car supplied by the Donald Healey Motor Company. Cape have added the unique 100S lightening and race modifications along with the rivetted alloy superstructure and outer skin that duplicate every detail of the original model.
The car will be on display at Hampton Court for the duration of the show 4-6th Sept where its purchase can be discussed with Steve Norton. This is a rare opportunity to acquire such an exacting copy of the original 100S.
In addition to the Austin Healey 100S, Porsche enthusiasts visiting Hampton Court will be treated to the launch of the first CapeSport 911.
Starting with a 1977 LHD Coupe and using the 1972 RS prototype as inspiration Cape have produced a superbly executed car. Capes MD Steve Norton comments “after 3 decades perfecting Austin Healey restorations a chance opportunity to restore this 911 has opened a new chapter in Capes history”.
Their comprehensive ground-up process encompasses all aspects of the vehicles systems, body, electrics, brakes, suspension and steering. The original magnesium crankcase houses 2.8 litre RSR internals driving via the 915 box and LSD.
“ we wanted to produce a car that tempted every day use, a car enjoyed not only for its period styling but also its practicality – this wasn’t about power, these cars aren’t slow! …economy was a factor, as was reliability, comfort, safety and a level of appointment that offered a new car experience”.
Steve Norton, Cape MD
Capes is taking orders for further Porsche 911 restorations and servicing after the business recently appointed specialist Andy Tatlow as Porsche Technician. Formerly the owner of Porsche business FlatSix in Singapore, Andy will help the business expand its restoration and maintenance offering.
