HISTORY OF AUSTIN HEALY

austin healy historyDonald Healey, dirver/engineer 1946-53. Ex-Humber & Triumph (from 1934-36 Donald Healey was designer at Triumph, and involved in Dolomite, Gloria). Healey drove a '34 Dolomite twin-OHC straight 8 in the 1935 Monte Carlo Rally, having previously won the Monte Carlo outright in 1931 (Invicta S-type, 4.5 litre)

Commenced production of Elliot and Westland (Drophead) in 1946. Later produced Nash-Healeys which raced at Le Mans and Silverstone.

1947, '48 saw Healeys being very competitive in Alpine Trials, and also touring car win in the Mille Miglia.

The Silverstone (1949 - 50. Production nos approx. 100), priced at 1,260 stg (about the same price as the XK 120 Jaguar). Winning its class at Silverstone in 1950, driven by Duncan Hamilton

1952 - London Motor Show: The Healey 100 was shown, 2.6 litre / 4 cylinder, A90 Austin engine, priced at 1,063 stg, later as production commenced the name was changed to Austin-Healey as arrangements were now in place for production of the car by the Austin Motor Company.

A later version the 100S was produced and averaged 104 mph for 24 hours and also achieved inexcess of 142 mph at Bonneville, a production version was produced with new cylinder head (Weslake designed), valves, crank etc. engine power now rated at 132bhp (up from 90 bhp). Fewer than 100 of these were made, compared with more than 15,700 of the 100 and 100m.

In 1954 a 100s was placed 3rd at Sebring, placed 5th in 1955.

1956 saw the 100-6 with 2.6 litre 6 cylinder. Engine capacity was increased in 1959 to 2,912cc. The 100-6 proved to be a successful rally car, winning the Alpine Rally in 1961 & again in '62, the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally and the Austrain Alpine in 1964. In all the Austin-Healey 3000 (from 1959) had 40 outright class wins in major events, and countless club meetings. Production continued through to 1968 and by that time totalled over 50,000 units