2018 Healy Enigma V8

Fitted with the wonderful (and very reliable) Lexus four-litre V8 engine and automatic gearbox combo, this example, in beautiful Deep Black Cherry Metallic, sits on 18-inch, diamond-cut alloy wheels. The cockpit features a full quilted black leather interior, and it has the powered hardtop, that goes up and down in a matter of seconds, a clever design that elegantly combines the best of both worlds.

First registered in 2018 and still in the hands of its first owner, it’s covered just over 2,000 miles from new and has passed its first two MoTs with flying colours, as one would expect, and draws only admiring comments wherever it goes.

Offering a considerable saving on the cost of a new model, this beautifully maintained car in a gorgeous colour is available now and ready for some fun with its new owner.

This is going to be a very brief section because this is, after all, essentially a new car. Built only five years ago, it’s been carefully stored in the meantime and has accrued only a little more than 2,000 carefully driven miles. The coachwork is therefore pristine and the fit ‘n’ finish is very impressive. The Black Cherry Metallic paint is a real showstopper, that looks beautiful in low light, but really comes into its own in the sunshine, where it really pops and sparkles.

The external chrome upgrade kit adds judicious flashes of 'bling' but this is still a very discreet car.

The 18-inch, ten-spoke, diamond-cut alloy wheels are unmarked, and they are still fitted with a set of matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres, all of which have good tread.

The power roof operates as it should, raising and lowering at the press of a button. It seals very well and, being a hardtop, offers the very best of all worlds with full-on open-top motoring when the sun is out and coupé-like snugness and security when it’s not.

For completeness' sake we should point out the few marks the Enigma has picked up. We’ve spotted a rubbing mark inside the driver’s door shut (#42) but apart from a few small stone chips, there’s little else to concern yourself with.

With electric mirrors, electric windows, heated seats and air-conditioning, plus a height-adjustable driver’s seat, the cabin offers comfort and luxury in equal measure. Lots of real-world comfort and practicality too, because those heated seats will keep you surprisingly warm when the mercury drops while still allowing al fresco motoring throughout the winter months – and few things are more fun than driving with the roof down in the snow.

The leather clad steering wheel with central Enigma motif, both of which were optional extras, plus some wood in the centre console’s cup-holders mean this is a cockpit that’s as lavish as it is practical.

The quilted leather has been nicely done, and the seats are extremely comfortable and supportive. The dashboard has been covered in suede as well, and it has white stitching to match that on the seats and door cards.

The two-pedal design gives plenty of room in the driver’s footwell and the changes Healy Design wrought on the MX-5’s cabin means there’s a lot more room overall, too.

The first owner splashed out on a 6.2-inch Philips media centre complete with sat-nav, a DVD player, and a remote control. A reversing camera, too.

Obviously, given the age and mileage of the car it’s in nigh-on new condition and everything works as it should.

Oh, and in addition to the usual tool kit, the Enigma comes with a high-quality CTEK trickle charging system to keep the battery topped up in the garage.

The Lexus V8 engine was completely stripped down and rebuilt with new components before being fitted into the Enigma’s engine bay. It’s a neat and clever solution to adding more power, and we can’t think of a better engine for an vehicle like this.

As you can see, it starts perfectly and has a great induction rasp thanks to the cone air filter. It’s an absolute beast when provoked too, but is happy to amble along on a whiff of throttle when you’re not in the mood to play.

Obviously, it runs and drives perfectly, but then you’d guessed that by now, hadn’t you?

The owner tells us that he gets 28mpg out of it, which means a range of over 280 miles from the 45lt fuel tank. He did mention that the fuel gauge reads incorrectly below 40%. It is an easy fix if a new owner were to get it recalibrated which we're told is a matter of replacing the resistor from the sender unit. The seller keeps the tank full and works out fuel consumption on a ‘miles covered’ basis.

The only other (and small) matter we are aware of is a small weep from the cooling system, namely from where the temperature sensor threads into the radiator. This would benefit from re-sealing at some point which we are assured is a simple job, and Martin Williamson of Healy Designs remains available for advice and spares should you need them, one of the many advantages of buying a low-volume, enthusiast-built car like the Enigma.

The engine bay and underside of the Enigma are as clean as you’d expect given the car’s limited use.

The Enigma’s MoT certificate is valid until December 2022 and it was gained, like the one before, without an advisory.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clean.

The number plate is included in the sale, and is valued at approx. £1,000.

Drawing considerable interest wherever it goes, the Healy Enigma represents a stunning opportunity to drive a classically-inspired modern car that benefits from the ease of servicing of one of the world’s most revered sportscars alongside the powerplant from one of the world’s most reliable.

More capacious and more comfortable than the MX-5, it offers a very different driving experience; one that is optimized for long-distance comfort and road-trip practicality – and the wonderful Lexus V8 engine offers refinement, power, and flexibility in equal doses.

With a guide price between £21,000 and £31,000, the lower end offers a savings of around half of what a new car would cost – and this one is available now, which means you won’t have to wait months for yours to be built…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.