In her 1995 hit “Ironic,” singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette laments the bits of cosmic irony that surround life, singing about moments such as “a traffic jam when you’re already late,” or “a death row pardon two minutes too late.” All of us have experienced ironic twists in our lives; in fact, what would life be without them? In many cases, the cosmic irony of a situation escapes us in the moment, and we don’t even know the full import of what has transpired until we look back — hindsight vision is always 20/20 (ironically).
Today’s seller relates a story in his listing that brings this theme to light. He is selling his car, by all accounts a perfect example of a restored Austin Healey 100-6. So, why would someone sell something so precious and obviously dear? The seller relates his reason:
“To begin with, I would like to answer an obvious question-If this car is as great as I say it is, why am I selling it? One year into my ownership of the car I was diagnosed with cancer and suffered through over a year of intense treatment. The permanent damage the cancer did to my back prevents me from driving a manual transmission, or a car that I have to bend over to get in or out of. The money from this sale will go directly to pay off my medical bills, and hopefully save our house.”
Today’s remarkable find is the car being sold, this stunning 1958 Austin Healey BN6 100-6:
Rarely do we see such a gorgeous car up for auction. The seller says this is a complete frame-off restoration by the previous owner. According to the seller, “the previous owner was a huge fan of the look and performance of the early works rally cars, such as the one driven by Pat Ross in the 1960 LIEGE-ROME-LIEGE rally, his goal was to duplicate the look and performance of these early cars using modern suspension and performance parts, and have a car built that could be driven anywhere in total comfort and safety.”
The restoration appears to be an unqualified success, although we caution prospective buyers to ask lots of questions about the mechanical state of the car, or any other concerns they might have. But take a moment to appreciate the seller’s personal opinion — there is much to learn about the experience of driving the car from his description in the listing:
“The car is a joy to drive, and when you start it you are treated to the deep throated sound of the Big Healey Six, now bored to 3 liters. The distinctive hiss of the 2″ SUs add to a mechanical symphony that begs you for the feel of the open road.”
Then the seller leaves us with this thought about the car:
“When I was in isolation for a month in the hospital, I dreamed every day of taking the car up Hwy 1, the wind in my hair, no monitors, no chemo, no doctors, just the sounds and feelings of this car, going up & down through the gears. It gave me hope when I needed it the most.”
Thank you to seller tessarosa55 for sharing this story with us, and using eBay as the marketplace to sell this car. We wish you well, and hope that the car sells quickly.
I owned a 1966 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 mK III when I was in college and afterward, 1968-1973 and I really loved this car…it was a joy to just drive with no particular destination in mind. It wasn’t a very expensive car back in those days either…I think my folks paid $1650 for it. It was easy to work on too…replaced clutch and pressure plate myself with simple hand tools and no instructions or help either. The electric fuel pump stopped working one snowy-rainy day at my first job and I had to leave the car in a roller skating parking lot. That night, someone smashed in the drivers side…probably backed into it..and I never did find the culprit…limped home with new fuel pump installed. Later sold the car to my neighbor for $450.
All I can say is WOW!!
This is truely a piece of work – from the heart.
Love the Austin-Healeys. And stories with heart. Here’s a video that has both, from your very own eBay Motors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cO0rhGhCLw&list=PL703DDAC741CA6858&index=2
Ah, the Healeys! My first car was a 13 year old Austin Healey Sprite. Slide windows, no locks on the doors… and so much fun to drive! I loved shifting through the gears, driving with the top down, just plain fun. Despite all the ‘Brit Car’ rumors, it ran like a champ for over a year. Then it suddenly died in the grocery store parking lot. I walked home. Came back in 2 days. It started right up like nothing had ever happened. Yes, ‘Brit Car’ syndrome. It ran great for quite a while after that. Eventually I had to sell it. But I do miss that car.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!! I send to you good wishes for a cure or remission for your Cancer!! My Father too is fighting this deamon and I see first hand the stuggle and bravery it entails. I wish that I could afford to purchase your legacy and “fly” across the country side as it deserves and as you too wish you could continue to do. Again good luck and good wishes. It is indeed an amazing beautiful car.
Is this a test or what?
To give up your very most precious thing in the world…
You sir, are my hero. Hope your health condition has improved and your bills dead.
Love your Healey, I too had to sell my dream car this summer, it was a 1976 mgb. My mother-in-law was sueing me, so i had to sell it to pay for an attorney. Please remember this, there is life after death. Jesus said come unto me all you that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Just ask and God will fill your heart with happeness and life eternal. John 3:16 Pat
true story. one family man with cancer that had a year to live went to see his doctor and doc told him i dont know just trust in god and fight this cancer. so one day he was at his friends business an accountant and when he was walking home he seen a lady digging in the big trash the one they use for businesses. anyway he told her what are you doing and she said my three kids havent had any tast for meat in about a year. yes thats right, so he took her with him to a meat shop and this is in Egypt,and then told the guy is a sum of money and this should cover her for a year buying like two pounds of meat of week. after that happen the lady told him god bless you and raised her hands to the sky and just kept on telling him may the lord bless you and give you health and money etc. so this man goes back home where is lives on the second floor and for the fist time in a year hes not tired when climing the stairs, went inside the house and just felt different. so he goes back to doctor a week later and his doctor told him are you a twin of the other guy or are you playing a joke on me, the guy says no doc im not playing a joke. why and the doctor told him you are cancer free and they guy just could not believe what he was hearing. and went back and told his wife and kids . and this is a true story and just wanted you to know that theres always hope and god works in mysterious ways and when that lady needed some meat because she was a poor lady and dont mater where she was from or what religion she is the power of god works , so just dont forget that the lord is always watching you and what ever you need hes always there for you , god bless al roberts
This is a wonderful story! eBay is sure a awesome place to find amazing things and sell cool items as well! I truly enjoy those old classic cars so this story is what I enjoyed!