Austin Healey

Austin-Healey was a British sports car maker established in 1952 through a joint venture between the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and the Donald Healey Motor Company (Healey).

Austin-Healey cars were produced until 1972 when the 20-year agreement between Healey and Austin came to an end.

The Austin-Healey 100 is a two seater sports car that was built in two series BN1 (1953-1955) and BN2 (1955-1956). The “100” was named for the car’s ability to reach 100 mph. In 1955, a high-performance 100M model was introduced. Also the aluminum-bodied “100S” (for Sebring) model was built primarily with racing in mind.

The Austin-Healey 100-6 was a roadster offered in a 2+2 version (BN4) (1956-1959) and 2 seater (BN6)(1958-1959).The 100-6 was a major redesign and replacement for the100. The 100-6 featured a longer wheelbase and a more powerful 2.6 liter, straight-six engine. The body lines were slightly streamlined, a smaller, wider radiator grille placed lower, an air scoop was added to the bonnet, a fixed windshield and two occasional seats added (an option in 1958).

The (1956-1961) two seater Austin-Healey 3000 MK1 (BN7) and 2+2 (BT7) had a larger 3-litre  engine and disc brakes for its front wheels. Other changes were minor. Weather protection remained minimal, a folding plastic roof on a light demountable frame and detachable side screens above the doors holding sliding perspex panels. Wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, laminated windscreen,heater, adjustable steering column, detachable hard top for the 2+2, and two-tone paint were available as options. 

The (1961-1962) Austin-Healey MKII, also available in two seater and 2+2 versions, was fitted with three SU HS4 carburettors, an improved camshaft and a vertical barred front grille. A brake servo was also available as an optional extra, which greatly improved braking performance.

The (1962-1963) MKII 3000 sports convertible (BJ7) was a true convertible with almost saloon car comfort. It had a new wrap-around windscreen, wind-up side windows, swiveling quarter lights and a quick-action folding roof. Twin SU HS6 carburettors replaced the triple. Austin-Healey claimed it could exceed 115 mph. 91.5 per cent of all 1963 Austin Healey 3000 cars were exported, mostly to North America.

The (1964-1968) Austin-Healey Mark III sports convertible (BJ8 – Phase 1 and Phase II) had increased power with a new higher lift camshaft and SU HD8 carburettors replacing the HS6 units. Power-assisted braking became standard instead of optional. The car’s fascia now displayed its speedometer and tachometer directly in front of the driver and upholstery was now in Ambla vinyl.^. 

The Austin-Healy 100, 100-6 and, 3000 series have become known as the Big Healeys – to distinguish them from the much smaller Austin-Healey Sprite.