No.16 Austin-Healey in the Esso Petrol Pump Series was based on the successful Austin-Healey 110M sports car dating from 1955. Although the Morestone model did not capture the style of the real car, it was an attractive vehicle to add to the Esso range.

 

A standard body & base casting held together by a central rivet, the Austin-Healey had an interesting design for the windscreen which comprised two side struts but no top frame.

 

Painted red with a white driver and base, No.16 had no colour variations during its life although the real cars came in several shades. Silver trim was added to the grille, headlights and front & rear bumpers.

 

The white or cream base included the driver who was holding a rather poor representation of a steering wheel. 'Austin-Healey', Made in England' and 'No.16' were cast underneath.

 

The knobbly unpainted metal wheels were on flat-head & crimped axles. Some later models had black plastic wheels but these dated from after the end of the Esso Series. Details on the Budgie Miniatures No.16 Austin-Healey page.

 

Being issued so close to the end of the Garage Offer, No.16 appeared in Esso boxes without the offer on the base flap, having instead a large number '16' on the flap and a Tanker Coupon inside.

 

Although not hard to find, No.16 Austin-Healey is often found with metal fatigue to the driver and base so mint models in factory condition are scarce.