On the evening of 11 May 2016,  ninety members from seven other Probus Clubs and a Car Club joined in a guided tour organised by the Probus Club of Donvale Hill Incorporated over the Healey Factory (Classic Sportscar Specialists).

THE HEALEY FACTORY

Everyone at some stage in their life must have imaged themselves as being an owner of a classical sports car. Whether it be the latest model just off a show room floor or a much older classical car that has been restored to its previous splendour. The Probus Club of Donvale Hill together with seven other neighbouring Probus Clubs and members of the Morris Minor Club Victoria were privileged to view and imagine what it would be like to be a proud owner of one of the numerous classical sports cars displayed at the Healey Factory.

 This business started in 1987 restoring Austin Healey cars in what was initially a single shed operation restoring only Healeys. It was soon found by demand that other makes had to be included into their restoration business. The scope of the work now undertaken includes anything from a basic restoration right up to a complete remake of a vehicle and some insurance claim work. It is up to the client to decide how extensive any restoration process may be. With the wide range of makes and models of vehicles now being worked on, all involved tradesman have developed a specialised range of work skills. For example, a complete vehicle remake will require the vehicle be completely stripped down, any rust areas removed and repaired, new panels made, old paint work removed by a soda blast, 4-5 coats of primer applied. Then sprayed in the desired finish colour and polished with various grades of abrasive up to 5 times. For the ease of working all other mechanical and electrical components are first fitted prior to the external panels being fitted. For customers who purchase a vehicle and undertake a do it yourself restoration project the Healey Factory offers guidance on what and how the work should be done. The final step is to obtain certification that the modifications made comply with Australian Design Rules. Depending upon the extent of the restoration process it may take up to 12 months to complete. 

So, If you have from $30,000 up to $350,000 in your pocket to spend on a classical Sports car of your dreams, head for the Healey factory to see what they are offering for the quality and presentation of all their of their vehicles is first class.

Bob Thornton

The tour was organised by Ken Falconer OAM and the first picture shows some Donvale Hill club members.

The other pictures speak for themselves