Restoration
Restorations that stand the test of time.
Whether the car has great provenance, or it has had a humble life enjoyed by many, every car is treated with the upmost care and attention to detail.
Where it all began
Born from a love of classic cars
Bill Rawles started his first classic car restoration business over 30 years ago from his workshop in the south of England, specialising in Austin-Healeys and establishing the Rawles family name and reputation around the world.
Bill sold his first business in 2007 to set up Bill Rawles Classic Cars Ltd, a family venture with sons Charlie and Jack, specialising in all makes of classic car. With Bill firmly at the helm with his wealth of experience and knowledge, Bill Rawles Classic Cars has grown to cover all aspects of classic car restoration, maintenance and sales with quality control and attention to detail of the upmost importance. Bill has been involved in historic motorsport for over 20 years and has campaigned his Austin-Healey 3000 to many podium places. Race and rally preparation, event support and transportation are a growing part of our business.
AboutClassic Car Services
We offer a full restoration service on all types of classic car, specialising in Austin-Healey.
Accident repair
Body Shop & Paint
From full bare metal resprays, localised touch-ups or accident repairs we have all of the facilities in house.
Engine & Running Gear
From full engine rebuild service to sourcing parts for your project, we can help. Friendly expert advise you can trust.
Fabrication
Putting the wheels in motion to shape your project
Servicing & Inspection
Bring your Healey somewhere you can trust. We are not interested in selling gizmos and gadgets, servicing and maintenance which is simple and reliable.
Showroom & Sales
Over 100 classic cars sold in the past 3 years... Looking after history for the next generation.
Experts in classic car servicing
Servicing your car is an integral part of maintenance and reliability, and as a standard we will check all the critical safety factors such as chassis, brakes, tyres, fluid levels and electronics are working as they should, before another year of happy motoring. Whilst an MOT is not mandatory for some classic cars, our safety check should not be a substitute. We recommend testing the car annually and some insurance companies may require a valid MOT, which we can also provide if desired/required.
Choose an option to suit your needs, from a levels service to a full service or a pre-MOT inspection and an MOT.
Classic Car Sales
If you're looking to buy a classic car or have a classic car which you want to sell, we can help.
Austin-Healey 100/6 S
1956 Model
£48,500
DetailsAustin-Healey 3000 MKI BN7
1959 Model
£39,500
DetailsAustin-Healey 100/6 BN4
1957 Model
£43,500
DetailsDownton MG C GT
£38,500
DetailsAustin-Healey 3000 MKIII Rally Car
£85,000
DetailsAustin Cooper ‘S’ MK1
1966 Model
£32,000
DetailsAustin-Healey 3000 FIA racing car
£175,000
Details‘SID 1’ Austin-Healey 3000 MKI
£185,000
DetailsMore available
view all stockMotorsport
Race proven performance, reliably first
Featured Video
With over 30 years of Austin-Healey competition experience, our race Healeys are built to perform, but, more importantly, to finish. From sprint racing to the Spa 6 Hours, we have tried, tested and developed components so you don't have to.
Motorsport
Car Sales Spotlight - Austin Healey 3000 MKI 2 seater for under £40k!!!
Built in December 1959 and dispatched in January 1960, this early Austin-Healey 3000 MKI BN7 (2-seater) was originally LHD and was delivered to Los Angeles, USA. The car left the factory in an interesting and rare factory colour, pacific green. The car was later exported to Italy where it remained until around 2015 when the car was then imported to the UK.
The history file includes photos of the restoration, details about the restoration are not documented but the photos show it was extensive.
This MKI has now been converted to RHD and essentially a MKII specification with a desirable centre change gearbox and tri carb set up.
The car comes with wet weather gear and is presented in very good condition, ready to be enjoyed.
For someone looking for a 2 seat 3000, this BN7 should be included on your short list. On the road, the car is direct and precise, the engine has good torque, and the gearbox is easy to use and gear selection is good.
Contact us for more information:-
Office 01420 564343
Email Info@rawlesclassiccars.co.uk
#forsale #carsales #austinhealey #austinhealey3000 #classic #classiccars #classiccarlover #healey3000 #classicsportscar #sportscar #britishsportscar #carsofinstagram #iconiccar #bighealey #billrawlesclassiccars #drivetastefully
Car Sales Spotlight - Austin Healey 3000 MKI 2 seater for under £40k!!!
Built in December 1959 and dispatched in January 1960, this early Austin-Healey 3000 MKI BN7 (2-seater) was originally LHD and was delivered to Los Angeles, USA. The car left the factory in an interesting and rare factory colour, pacific green. The car was later exported to Italy where it remained until around 2015 when the car was then imported to the UK.
The history file includes photos of the restoration, details about the restoration are not documented but the photos show it was extensive.
This MKI has now been converted to RHD and essentially a MKII specification with a desirable centre change gearbox and tri carb set up.
The car comes with wet weather gear and is presented in very good condition, ready to be enjoyed.
For someone looking for a 2 seat 3000, this BN7 should be included on your short list. On the road, the car is direct and precise, the engine has good torque, and the gearbox is easy to use and gear selection is good.
Contact us for more information:-
Office 01420 564343
Email Info@rawlesclassiccars.co.uk
#forsale #carsales #austinhealey #austinhealey3000 #classic #classiccars #classiccarlover #healey3000 #classicsportscar #sportscar #britishsportscar #carsofinstagram #iconiccar #bighealey #billrawlesclassiccars #drivetastefully
More road test miles on this Austin-Healey 3000 MKII tri carb today.
BRCC running gear was built in house and shipped down to Mitchell Motors who restored the car for their client, and we provided consultancy and advice on this project.
We are always happy to work with other private or industry professionals working on Austin-Healeys in the UK or around the world.
With the car now finished, it was delivered to us to complete some road testing, shaking down, final adjustments and snagging. Almost ready to be delivered to their customer. Super job and pleased to be involved.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
More road test miles on this Austin-Healey 3000 MKII tri carb today.
BRCC running gear was built in house and shipped down to Mitchell Motors who restored the car for their client, and we provided consultancy and advice on this project.
We are always happy to work with other private or industry professionals working on Austin-Healeys in the UK or around the world.
With the car now finished, it was delivered to us to complete some road testing, shaking down, final adjustments and snagging. Almost ready to be delivered to their customer. Super job and pleased to be involved.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
Austin-Healey 3000 serviced, overdrive rebuilt and a broken rear damper chassis mounting repaired.
A thorough road test on an autumn afternoon… this car obviously knows the way to The Flower Pots pub, unfortunately we couldn’t stop…!
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#workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #britishsportscar #bighealey #classiccar #healey3000 #austinhealey
Austin-Healey 3000 serviced, overdrive rebuilt and a broken rear damper chassis mounting repaired.
A thorough road test on an autumn afternoon… this car obviously knows the way to The Flower Pots pub, unfortunately we couldn’t stop…!
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#workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #britishsportscar #bighealey #classiccar #healey3000 #austinhealey
This beautiful Lancia Aurelia B20 series 6 has been in the workshop over the past week, as we trace and diagnose a long term engine speed vibration and imbalance (likely to be the long, engine speed propshaft) at the same time, we are reconditioning the clutch and sorting a few other small jobs.
These are an interesting piece of engineering. Complex but full of character, with lots of quirks and interesting features and for the era, it was rare to have a transaxle.
We are seeing number of Lancia’s due to the retirement of a local specialist (who is kindly endorsing us as well as providing knowledge and experience when required) we are really enjoying seeing more Aurelia’s as we start to build some knowledge of these Italian classics.
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#lancia #lanciaaurelia #aureliab20 #italianclassic #workshop #classiccarrestoration #billrawlesclassiccars
This beautiful Lancia Aurelia B20 series 6 has been in the workshop over the past week, as we trace and diagnose a long term engine speed vibration and imbalance (likely to be the long, engine speed propshaft) at the same time, we are reconditioning the clutch and sorting a few other small jobs.
These are an interesting piece of engineering. Complex but full of character, with lots of quirks and interesting features and for the era, it was rare to have a transaxle.
We are seeing number of Lancia’s due to the retirement of a local specialist (who is kindly endorsing us as well as providing knowledge and experience when required) we are really enjoying seeing more Aurelia’s as we start to build some knowledge of these Italian classics.
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#lancia #lanciaaurelia #aureliab20 #italianclassic #workshop #classiccarrestoration #billrawlesclassiccars
Sorry for no posts this week!
It’s super busy in both restoration and mechanical sides with a wide range of cars through the workshops. We’ll get back to providing daily updates of workshop happenings next week.
Thanks! ☺️
Sorry for no posts this week!
It’s super busy in both restoration and mechanical sides with a wide range of cars through the workshops. We’ll get back to providing daily updates of workshop happenings next week.
Thanks! ☺️
Things have been al`white in the workshop today...
We are incredibly thankful to our loyal customer base, we are very busy as we head into winter and really appreciate the enthusiasm and excitement towards the marque.
Sales are on the floor, it`s just not happening unless its at a bargain price but still, there is so much interest in the marque. We are finding that people want to buy but don`t know when the right time will be...
In the meantime, the workshop is buoyant with many upgrades, maintenance and improvements being carried out as well as restoration and fabrication work.
We really appreciate it.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
Things have been al`white in the workshop today...
We are incredibly thankful to our loyal customer base, we are very busy as we head into winter and really appreciate the enthusiasm and excitement towards the marque.
Sales are on the floor, it`s just not happening unless its at a bargain price but still, there is so much interest in the marque. We are finding that people want to buy but don`t know when the right time will be...
In the meantime, the workshop is buoyant with many upgrades, maintenance and improvements being carried out as well as restoration and fabrication work.
We really appreciate it.
.
.
.
#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
It is nice to see this 3000 again, over a decade since we restored the car.
Can you spot a young Charlie Rawles and our much missed workshop and family dog, Alfie?
Alfie, a core team member in those days was always on hand to hoover dropped biscuits. Things have changed a bit now but still, Charlie heads up the fabrication and restoration department alongside a skilled team.
This project was an interesting one. You might ask, who would spec a primrose yellow Healey 3000 with steel wheels? Possibly the least popular colour and most basic specification but this has grown on us massively, you just don`t really see them in this spec, makes a nice change from ice blue!
But this car, was a special spec for the person who commissioned it. In the 1950`s and 1960`s the customers Father had a BMC dealership and when the customer was getting to about 19 years old, his Father couldn`t sell a particular Austin Healey, it was primrose yellow with steel wheels. So instead, he gave it to his son for his birthday. It was his first car, it was used, abused, loved and sold. It was over 50 years later, he realised he wanted that exact car again so commissioned us to build it.
We finished the car in time for the customer to drive the car just a handful of times before his untimely passing. For that reason, this car, like many others we have worked on, is particularly special to us and it is nice to see it again.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
It is nice to see this 3000 again, over a decade since we restored the car.
Can you spot a young Charlie Rawles and our much missed workshop and family dog, Alfie?
Alfie, a core team member in those days was always on hand to hoover dropped biscuits. Things have changed a bit now but still, Charlie heads up the fabrication and restoration department alongside a skilled team.
This project was an interesting one. You might ask, who would spec a primrose yellow Healey 3000 with steel wheels? Possibly the least popular colour and most basic specification but this has grown on us massively, you just don`t really see them in this spec, makes a nice change from ice blue!
But this car, was a special spec for the person who commissioned it. In the 1950`s and 1960`s the customers Father had a BMC dealership and when the customer was getting to about 19 years old, his Father couldn`t sell a particular Austin Healey, it was primrose yellow with steel wheels. So instead, he gave it to his son for his birthday. It was his first car, it was used, abused, loved and sold. It was over 50 years later, he realised he wanted that exact car again so commissioned us to build it.
We finished the car in time for the customer to drive the car just a handful of times before his untimely passing. For that reason, this car, like many others we have worked on, is particularly special to us and it is nice to see it again.
.
.
.
#austinhealey #healey3000 #austinhealey3000 #austinhealey100 #healey100 #historicmotorsport #classiccarrestoration #restoration #classic #classiccar #sportscar #britishsportscar #bighealey #carsofinstagram #workshop #billrawlesclassiccars #goodwood #goodwoodrevival #motorsport #racing #rawles
Austin Healey 3000 enjoying autumn.
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#classiccar #billrawlesclassiccars #workshop #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #healey100 #healey3000 #britishsportscar #austinhealey100 #austinhealey
Austin Healey 3000 enjoying autumn.
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#classiccar #billrawlesclassiccars #workshop #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #healey100 #healey3000 #britishsportscar #austinhealey100 #austinhealey
Engine block porosity...
Here is another great example of why we complete our anti porosity kit installation on all of our engine rebuilds.
In the workshop this week, we have a 3000 that keeps contaminating it`s coolant. Understandably, the owner has replaced the obvious items, such as head gasket but this is a common issue with the Healey 3000 block, the casting can become porous where oil pressure is circulating at 40-60psi close to the waterway and the oil will push through the casting and into the water/coolant jacket.
There is only one fix for this. Using the jig-borer, we will install a stainless steel lining into the oilways prior to rebuild but the engine must be stripped down to the block in order to do this. You never know when this might happen and when building an engine, it is a great way to future proof the build.
We complete this service for customers having their engine built with us and some trade customers.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #classiccar #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #billrawlesclassiccars
Engine block porosity...
Here is another great example of why we complete our anti porosity kit installation on all of our engine rebuilds.
In the workshop this week, we have a 3000 that keeps contaminating it`s coolant. Understandably, the owner has replaced the obvious items, such as head gasket but this is a common issue with the Healey 3000 block, the casting can become porous where oil pressure is circulating at 40-60psi close to the waterway and the oil will push through the casting and into the water/coolant jacket.
There is only one fix for this. Using the jig-borer, we will install a stainless steel lining into the oilways prior to rebuild but the engine must be stripped down to the block in order to do this. You never know when this might happen and when building an engine, it is a great way to future proof the build.
We complete this service for customers having their engine built with us and some trade customers.
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#austinhealey #healey3000 #classiccar #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #billrawlesclassiccars
Moody skies over Hampshire.
Austin-Healey 3000 road testing when weather allows. Autumn is a great time to use your classic before the winter comes, get the heater on, roof down and go for a blast to clear the cobwebs, make a list of winter improvements for you to make and get the car ready for spring 2025.
This Healey has been in for a ring gear and starter motor replacement... Now starting on the button.
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#healey3000 #austinhealey #billrawlesclassiccars #bighealey #workshop #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #carsofinstagram
Moody skies over Hampshire.
Austin-Healey 3000 road testing when weather allows. Autumn is a great time to use your classic before the winter comes, get the heater on, roof down and go for a blast to clear the cobwebs, make a list of winter improvements for you to make and get the car ready for spring 2025.
This Healey has been in for a ring gear and starter motor replacement... Now starting on the button.
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#healey3000 #austinhealey #billrawlesclassiccars #bighealey #workshop #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #carsofinstagram
Running repairs for a BJ8 A post.
"It`s easy to restore a car" Well, yes, it is to a certain extent, completing a full restoration, is actually easier in many ways than repairing a car. Restoration leaves no stone unturned and if it needs to be done... cut it out and start again but when it comes to repairing a car with everything in situ, bodywork, interior etc, it is very hard to work in confined environments, managing the repair as to try not to escalate the work required to be a bigger repair than is needed and without damaging surrounding features and this is even more important when a car is as original as this one.
Charlie has been repairing this common weak point on a Healey, in the A post area. With multiple layers to repair and not much space to work in, Charlie is doing a nice job, as you would expect.
We don`t only complete full restorations, if you have a car that requires localised repairs, please get in touch as the winter time is a great opportunity for this. With the body shop in high demand, we are now booking well into the new year so it is important to think ahead and contact us for a no obligation estimate.
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#healey3000 #austinhealey #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #fabrication
Running repairs for a BJ8 A post.
"It`s easy to restore a car" Well, yes, it is to a certain extent, completing a full restoration, is actually easier in many ways than repairing a car. Restoration leaves no stone unturned and if it needs to be done... cut it out and start again but when it comes to repairing a car with everything in situ, bodywork, interior etc, it is very hard to work in confined environments, managing the repair as to try not to escalate the work required to be a bigger repair than is needed and without damaging surrounding features and this is even more important when a car is as original as this one.
Charlie has been repairing this common weak point on a Healey, in the A post area. With multiple layers to repair and not much space to work in, Charlie is doing a nice job, as you would expect.
We don`t only complete full restorations, if you have a car that requires localised repairs, please get in touch as the winter time is a great opportunity for this. With the body shop in high demand, we are now booking well into the new year so it is important to think ahead and contact us for a no obligation estimate.
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.
#healey3000 #austinhealey #classiccarrestoration #bighealey #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #fabrication
1937 Lancia Belna in the workshop this week to remove the engine and replace the flywheel ring gear. These were originally manufactured as a one piece fly and ring gear but over time due to wear, require replacement. We will machine the flywheel and install a new ring gear.
It’s a rare beast and nice to see some Italian design in the workshop. If there was a way to make something complicated, they would do it but beautiful engineering nonetheless.
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#classiccarrestorations #billrawlesclassiccars #workshop #italianclassic #Lancia #lanciabelna
1937 Lancia Belna in the workshop this week to remove the engine and replace the flywheel ring gear. These were originally manufactured as a one piece fly and ring gear but over time due to wear, require replacement. We will machine the flywheel and install a new ring gear.
It’s a rare beast and nice to see some Italian design in the workshop. If there was a way to make something complicated, they would do it but beautiful engineering nonetheless.
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#classiccarrestorations #billrawlesclassiccars #workshop #italianclassic #Lancia #lanciabelna
Our community
Car Sales Spotlight - Austin Healey 3000 MKI 2 seater for under £40k!!!
Built in December 1959 and dispatched in January 1960, this early Austin-Healey 3000 MKI BN7 (2-seater) was originally LHD and was delivered to Los Angeles, USA. The car left the factory in an interesting and rare factory colour, pacific green. The car was later exported to Italy where it remained until around 2015 when the car was then imported to the UK.
The history file includes photos of the restoration, details about the restoration are not documented but the photos show it was extensive.
This MKI has now been converted to RHD and essentially a MKII specification with a desirable centre change gearbox and tri carb set up.
The car comes with wet weather gear and is presented in very good condition, ready to be enjoyed.
For someone looking for a 2 seat 3000, this BN7 should be included on your short list. On the road, the car is direct and precise, the engine has good torque, and the gearbox is easy to use and gear selection is good.
Contact us for more information:-
Office 01420 564343
Email Info@rawlesclassiccars.co.uk
#forsale #carsales #austinhealey #austinhealey3000 #classic #classiccars #classiccarlover #healey3000 #classicsportscar #sportscar #britishsportscar #carsofinstagram #iconiccar #bighealey #billrawlesclassiccars #drivetastefully ... See MoreSee Less
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