Donald Healey was the man who initiated a collaboration between the Donald Healey Motor Company and the Austin division of BMC to produce sports cars. The Austin-Healey 100 was the start of a legendary car brand.
donald healey
Donald Healey has played an important role in the development of English sports cars. In addition to Austin Healey, his name can be found in Nash-Healey and Jensen-Healey. Austin-Healey was founded in 1952 to produce sports cars.
Model history
The new sports car was based on the same platform as Austin's prestige model A90 Atlantic and technology from Nash-Healey. The result was the Austin-Healey 100 launched in 1953. The model was produced in two series, B1 and B2 – both equipped with a 4-cylinder engine of 2660 cc and 90 hp. The biggest changes for the B2 were a 4-speed gearbox and a new rear axle. External characteristics are few. The BN2 could be delivered with 2-tone paint and you can also notice that the pillars by the windscreen are somewhat reinforced. In 1955 the Austin-Healey 100M was launched as a sporty variant with engines trimmed to 110 hp, a stiffer chassis and air vents on the engine hood. In 1956 the Austin-Healey 100-6 was launched as a separate model with a straight-six from Austin's Westminster model and an increased wheelbase. External features include a new grille with horizontal slats and air intakes on the bonnet. The 100 series was replaced by the Austin-Healey 3000 in 1959.
About the pictures
The Austin-Healey in the main photo in Healey blue over white paint was parked in Céret, France in 2023. It is a 100M. The red car was pictured in Asker city center in 2024 while the square was filled with classic Italian cars.
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