The Holmes Motor Company was founded in 1984 by brothers Graham and Peter Holmes in Stroud, Gloucestershire and they started building their new car which was inspired by the Austin Healey 3000. Although the body shape was very similar to the original Healey, the car was an extremely capable modern sports car in its own right and was widely regarded as the finest in its class, so much so that Geoffrey Healey endorsed it himself and the new car would have been launched with the blessing of the Healey family had it not been for a trademark dispute with Jensen in 1989 preventing them from using the Healey name. Despite this draw back, the 'HMC MKIV' as it was named, had excellent reviews from magazines such as Motor Sport and Performance Car and it was featured on Top Gear in March 1996 by Quentin Wilson who said ‘No Austin-Healey was ever this well built’ and specialist sports car manufacturers like Lotus and TVR should take a long, hard look at the HMC to see how it really should be done.’ The motoring press agreed that this car was far more than an homage to the Austin Healey 3000 and only 167 MKIV cars were built by the Holmes brothers before production ceased in 1999 due to parts supply issues. This 1999 HMC MK1V LIGHTWEIGHT is a ONE owner car and has covered just 49,600 miles from new! Built in early 1999 this beautiful HMC MK1V 'Lightweight' - Chassis No: SA904943GXURT0135 (the 135th built) and Engine No: 47A09526B was supplied new by the UK sole concessionaires 'All Electric Garages' in Birmingham and it was first registered on 19th March 1999 and delivered to its first and only owner in Northolt, Middlesex. It is finished in Ink Blue Metallic with Parchment Leather trim with Blue carpets and over-mats, a Blue Mohair Soft Top, a lightweight moulded dashboard with Smiths instruments and has the customary all-aluminium Rover 3947cc 190bhp V8 Engine coupled to a Five Speed Gearbox and driving through an aluminium Differential, Independent front and rear Suspension, factory fitted Immobiliser and Gear Lock System, Power Assisted Brakes, Stainless Steel Exhaust System and 15'' Chrome Wire Wheels. This example is in beautiful condition throughout and is a very rare car being just one of only 167 MK1V's being built in total. Maintained meticulously to an excellent standard by specialists including Holmes Motor Company. It comes with all its original books and paperwork including Sales Invoice, lots of invoices, MOT Certificates and HMC literature. HMC's really do need to be seen in the flesh and driven to fully appreciate just how good they are to drive and own and with prices steadily increasing, they do represent a sound investment! Upon sale the car will come with a new MOT & our own customer care package including a 55-point pre-delivery inspection and 6 months mechanical breakdown Parts & Labour Warranty which can be upgraded and extended at additional cost if required. Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake, South West London. NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car’s history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights. 15'' Chrome Wire Wheels, Blue Mohair Soft Top, Mohair Hood Cover, Folding Roof, Hood cover, Top Tinted Windscreen, Leather Steering Wheel, Leather Trim, ABS Bakes, Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Immobiliser, 5 Speed Manual transmission, Battery Cut-Off Switch, Hydraulic brakes, Limited Slip Differential