***This lot benefits from a reduced buyer's protection fee of 4.5% (instead of 9%) which will be arranged for the winning bidder after the closing of the auction. You will be approached by a sales team one working day after the auction has ended. They will help you further with the discount*** Very rare BT7 Mk1 model built in 1960 with the 'Thermo choke' system. Only 1400 examples built of which less than 200 in their original carb set up are known to exist. The thermo-electric choke was installed beginning with chassis number 2194, in July 1959. And, the manual choke was re-introduced beginning with chassis number 5234 (BN7) and 5310 (BT7),in November 1959. The mechanics of this car were completely restored over a 6 month period between October 2023 and March 2024, Cylinder head and block rectified, new pistons, valves, cam shaft grinding, etc. The radiator is an original model but new. The steering and stability bar are new. New shock absorbers and disc brakes in front. New original SU fuel pump. New master cylindre and slave cylinder for the clutch. Indicators separate from the brake lights. New anti-fog spot in front with towing bar ring. New Rear sport bumpers. Original Front and rear bumper present and sold with the car. The front bumper includes the badge bar. The windows and the roof are present with the car. Include is the tonneau cover. All in excellent condition. The paintwork is good and reflects the age of the car. There are paint bubbles on the rear shroud (which is made of aluminium) around the fuel filler cap so it's not rust but a reaction to spilled petrol over the years. There are also some stone chips which are only minor. In the past sometime used a car jack and damaged the outre sil under the passenger door but is difficult to see but makes no difference to the cars overall looks (see photos for blemishes). The 'Heritage Certificate' present confirms the car is matching numbers and matching colours. The car was originally shipped and sold in the USA (Los Angeles) in 1960. It was imported into Europe in 2006 and has had just one owner since being imported. Many invoices included with the car. This car was rebuilt by a Austin Healey specialist in Belgium. #HVLcampaign