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
£44,500
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
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
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
Autumn is here…
Friday saw some good weather and a chance to road test cars, including this lovely Healey 100 that we have recently converted to RHD.
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#austinhealey #billrawlesclassiccars #bighealey #workshop #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #carsofinstagram
Autumn is here…
Friday saw some good weather and a chance to road test cars, including this lovely Healey 100 that we have recently converted to RHD.
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#austinhealey #billrawlesclassiccars #bighealey #workshop #austinhealey100 #britishsportscar #classiccar #carsofinstagram
Restoration and racing...
Here are some stunning shots of our customer racing team at Road America in September, here`s some background to the number 021 race car.
The car was first shipped from the USA to Bill Rawles Classic Cars where, over a number of years, the car was completely stripped down to bare chassis, restored and repaired, built and developed into a competitive racing car with it`s first competitive outings at Lime Rock and Road America.
The car is now preparing to make its journey back to the UK for racing with the BRCC race team in 2025 we can`t wait to welcome it back into the stable.
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#billrawlesclassiccars #classiccarrestorations #workshop #austinhealey #bighealey #healey3000 #historicmotorsport #motorsport #racing #austinhealey100 #classiccarrestoration #goodwoodrevival
Restoration and racing...
Here are some stunning shots of our customer racing team at Road America in September, here`s some background to the number 021 race car.
The car was first shipped from the USA to Bill Rawles Classic Cars where, over a number of years, the car was completely stripped down to bare chassis, restored and repaired, built and developed into a competitive racing car with it`s first competitive outings at Lime Rock and Road America.
The car is now preparing to make its journey back to the UK for racing with the BRCC race team in 2025 we can`t wait to welcome it back into the stable.
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.
.
#billrawlesclassiccars #classiccarrestorations #workshop #austinhealey #bighealey #healey3000 #historicmotorsport #motorsport #racing #austinhealey100 #classiccarrestoration #goodwoodrevival
Austin Healey 3000 MKIIA BJ7 mid way through body fit up.
With the original shrouds repaired and new wings fitted and adjusted, we will now fit up all items including chrome, glass, lights etc. Chrome will then be de-chromed and fettled as required before sending all items to be chromed. The body will have final adjustments, then the car will be taken apart to start the paint process.
Someone once said, 90% of the project takes 50% of the time... the final 10% takes another 50%... and this is so true. Time must be spent, especially in the body metalwork to ensure there is not excessive filler to make up for poor metalwork, as is so often seen.
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#britishsportscar #austinhealey #healey3000 #bighealey #workshop #classiccarrestorations #billrawlesclassiccars
Austin Healey 3000 MKIIA BJ7 mid way through body fit up.
With the original shrouds repaired and new wings fitted and adjusted, we will now fit up all items including chrome, glass, lights etc. Chrome will then be de-chromed and fettled as required before sending all items to be chromed. The body will have final adjustments, then the car will be taken apart to start the paint process.
Someone once said, 90% of the project takes 50% of the time... the final 10% takes another 50%... and this is so true. Time must be spent, especially in the body metalwork to ensure there is not excessive filler to make up for poor metalwork, as is so often seen.
.
.
.
#britishsportscar #austinhealey #healey3000 #bighealey #workshop #classiccarrestorations #billrawlesclassiccars
Bill Rawles wins Road America Founders Cup.
During all of the excitement of the race weekend at Road America, winning the Healey World Challenge, we didn`t really cover the other events of the weekend.
Both Bill and Jack Rawles raced the car during the weekend but Bill campaigned the car in the Founders Cup, a mixed marque race. Qualifying 7th overall from nearly 30 cars, Bill raced to the front and after 3 laps, was leading the race.
Despite losing overdrive at the halfway mark and having to push the engine to the limits, around 7,000rpm on the long Road America straights, Bill held on to win the Founders Cup, in front of charging American sedans and slightly newer machinery.
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#austinhealey3000 #bighealey #britishsportscar #healey3000 #austinhealey #racing #historicmotorsport #motorsport
Bill Rawles wins Road America Founders Cup.
During all of the excitement of the race weekend at Road America, winning the Healey World Challenge, we didn`t really cover the other events of the weekend.
Both Bill and Jack Rawles raced the car during the weekend but Bill campaigned the car in the Founders Cup, a mixed marque race. Qualifying 7th overall from nearly 30 cars, Bill raced to the front and after 3 laps, was leading the race.
Despite losing overdrive at the halfway mark and having to push the engine to the limits, around 7,000rpm on the long Road America straights, Bill held on to win the Founders Cup, in front of charging American sedans and slightly newer machinery.
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.
#austinhealey3000 #bighealey #britishsportscar #healey3000 #austinhealey #racing #historicmotorsport #motorsport
Wiring...
It is easy to consider vehicle maintenance as only mechanical work, such as servicing, level checks and repairs but when was the last time you checked the condition of your wiring and electrical components?
This could be the greatest risk to your vehicle, not only reliability but also great potential for fire too. We were fortunate to find this main battery cable before it was too late. the protective outer layer has almost completely deteriorated and could have been the cause of a dead short.
Maybe something for you to add to the list for the winter when tinkering at home.
If you need any help, you know where we are. From full re-wire to isolated electrical issues, we are always happy to help.
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#classiccarrestorations #austinhealey100 #healey3000 #classiccar #britishsportscar #austinhealey #bighealey #workshop
Wiring...
It is easy to consider vehicle maintenance as only mechanical work, such as servicing, level checks and repairs but when was the last time you checked the condition of your wiring and electrical components?
This could be the greatest risk to your vehicle, not only reliability but also great potential for fire too. We were fortunate to find this main battery cable before it was too late. the protective outer layer has almost completely deteriorated and could have been the cause of a dead short.
Maybe something for you to add to the list for the winter when tinkering at home.
If you need any help, you know where we are. From full re-wire to isolated electrical issues, we are always happy to help.
.
.
.
#classiccarrestorations #austinhealey100 #healey3000 #classiccar #britishsportscar #austinhealey #bighealey #workshop
Our community
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 ... See MoreSee Less
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