Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It

picture Austin Healey

Austin Healey was a British sports car maker. The marque was established through a joint venture arrangement, set up in 1952 between Leonard Lord of the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and Donald Healey, a renowned automotive engineer and designer.

Picture Austin Healey 100

In the early 1950s, Donald Healey was hand-manufacturing a few cars in a small workshop. He showed a car, called the Healey 100, at the Earl's Court Motor Show, where it was seen by Leonard Lord, head of British Motor Corporation's Austin division. When he saw how well the Healey 100 was liked by the public, he approached Healey with a proposal for Austin to manufacture the car in larger quantities. The result was the Austin Healey 100.

Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It Part 2

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

The 1960s saw the introduction of the Austin Healey 3000 MkII. It sported dual carburetors and had a curved instead of straight front windshield. Although its top speed was reduced to 112.9 mph, its zero-to-60 performance increased to 10.9 seconds. Its fuel efficiency increased to 23.5 miles per gallon.

Picture Of 1967 Austin Healey Sprite Cars

The Austin Healey 3000 MkIII was produced from 1964 to 1967. The MkIII could achieve speeds in excess of 150 mph and had power-assisted brakes. Later MkIII models increased rear suspension travel to improve handling.

Picture Of 1956 Austin Healey 100 Cars

1961 saw the introduction of the Sprite MkII. Early MkIIs used the original 948cc engine, but later models used a 1098cc engine. Front disc brakes were introduced with the MkII, and wire wheels were offered as options.

Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It The End Part

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

The joint venture dissolved in 1971 as the 20-year agreement came to an end. Final production of Austin Healey cars were marketed under the brand name Austin. A successful racing history, including Le Mans, Bathusrt and Sebring, gave Ausin Healey an almost legendary status.

Collector's Information

Picture Of 1955 Austin Healay 100 Cars

There were many Austin Healey's produced, with later versions, such as MkIII and MkIV, being produced in larger numbers. As a result, parts aren't hard to find. Restoring an Austin Healey will result in a car with both high collector value and high financial value. Austin Healeys are beautifully designed and fun to drive. For their time, they were among the top performers in their respective classes, with the 3000 doing very well in a number of popular period road races.

Austin Healey 100 Cars And The History Of It Part 1

Picture Of 1956 Austin Healey 100 Cars

The Austin Healey 100 Cars is a sports car built between 1953 and 1956 by the British Motor Corporation (the following model, named the 100-Six and built from 1956 to 1959, is a different car even though it shares the name "100"). It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's small car company in Warwick and based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals [1] . Healey built a single "Healey Hundred" for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin so much that a deal was struck with Healey to build it in quantity at Austin's Longbridge factory. The car was renamed the Austin Healey 100 Cars.

Picture Of 1958 Austin Healey 100 Cars

The "100" name comes from Donald Healey, who named it after the fact that this was one of the few cars of the era which could achieve 100 mph (160 km/h),[citation needed] as opposed to the Austin Healey 3000, which is named for its 3000 cc engine.

Austin Healey 100 Cars

* 1953 - 1955 BN1 Austin Healey 100
* 1955 Austin Healey 100S (Extremely limited production of aluminium bodied race-prepared cars)
* 1955 - 1956 BN2 Austin Healey 100M (Limited production high performance)
* 1956 - 1957 BN2 Austin Healey 100
* 1956 - 1957 BN4 Austin Healey 100-6 (2+2 seats)
* 1957 - 1959 BN4 Austin Healey 100-6 Change to 1 3/4" SU Carbs (2+2 seats)
* 1958 - 1959 BN6 Austin Healey 100-6 6 Cylinder motor (2 seat)

Austin Healey 100 Cars And The History Of It

Picture Of 1956 Austin Healay 100 Cars

Production Austin Healey 100s Cars were finished at Austin's Longbridge plant alongside the A90 and based on fully trimmed and painted body/chassis units produced by Jensen in West Bromwich — in an arrangement the two companies previously had explored with the Austin A40 Sports. The first 100s (series "BN1") were equipped with the same 90 bhp (67 kW) engines and manual transmission as the stock A90, but the transmission was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. The 2660 cc I4 engine featured an undersquare 87.3 mm (3.4 in) bore and 111.1 mm (4.4 in) stroke.

Picture Of Austin Healay 100M Cars

Girling 11 in (279.4 mm) drum brakes are fitted all round. Front suspension is independent using coil springs and at the rear is a rigid axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. The steering is by a cam and lever system.

Picture Of 1956 Austin Healay 100 Cars

A BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km; 18.7 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1063 including taxes.

Picture Of 1954 Austin Healay 100 Cars

These were built from May 1953, and replaced by the BN2 model in mid-1955.

Austin Healey 100 Cars And The History Of It Part 3

Picture Of Austin Healay 100 Cars

The BN2 came with a real 4-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive on the top 2 gears. Other features that distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint. The colour alternatives available to the 100 were: Reno Red, Spruce Green, Healey Blue, Florida Green, Old English White, Primrose Yellow, Black, and approximately 50 Gunmetal Grey cars. The BN2 two-tone colors were: White/Black; Reno Red/Black; Healey Blue/White; Black/Reno Red; and Florida Green/White. A 1956 BN2 100M (for Le Mans) model was developed as well, with larger carburettors, a cold air box to increase air flow to the carburettors, high-lift camshaft and 8.1:1 high compression pistons producing 110 bhp (82 kW) at 4500 rpm. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvres, along with a bonnet belt and most (approximately 70%) of them were finished with a two-tone paint scheme including two cars finished in unique color schemes: one White over Red and the other (for display at the 1955 London Motor Show) in Black over Pink. There were 640 factory built 100Ms -- all 1956 model BN2s. The 100M components (except for the high compression pistons) were also available as a Le Mans kit which could be installed in either a BN1 or BN2 with the engine in situ, improving the power output to 100 bhp (75 kW) at 4500 rpm. The Donald Healey Motor Company at Warwick retrofitted 519 cars with the Le Mans kit after they had been delivered to the original owners. The Le Mans kit and its component parts could be ordered from BMC, so additional cars were modified by Austin dealers and private owners.

Picture Of 1957 Austin Healay 100 Cars

Built primarily with racing in mind, the aluminium-bodied "100S" (for Sebring) model developed 132 bhp (98 kW) at 4700 rpm. Only 50 production cars were produced, plus an additional five works development/special test cars which were hand built by the Donald Healey Motor Company at Warwick. The cast iron cylinder head was replaced by one made from aluminium and the overdrive unit was not fitted to the gearbox. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted front and rear. To keep weight to a minimum there were no bumpers or hood (convertible top), a smaller grille and the windscreen was plastic. The 100S was also the first production car in the world to sport disc brakes at both the front and rear. The car was approximately 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than standard. The majority of all 100S were two-toned White with Lobelia Blue sides. However, a handful of cars where ordered in Spruce Green, Reno Red and one single black 100S.

Picture Of 1958 Austin Healay 100 Cars

The final BN2 was produced in July 1956.

Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It Part 1
Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It Part 2
Austin Healey Cars And The History Of It The End Part

Austin Healey 100-Six(BN4-BN6) Cars And The History Of It Part 3

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

The Austin Healey final "100" models, 1956's "BN4" (2+2 seats) and 1958's "BN6" (2 seats) were six-cylinder 100-Six cars.

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

To make room for the occasional seats the wheelbase was increased by 2 in (50.8 mm). The bonnet had a built-in air scoop and the windscreen no longer could be folded down.

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

The cars used a tuned version of the BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to Austin Westminster which at first produced 102 bhp (76 kW) increasing to 117 bhp (87 kW) in 1957 by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head. The overdrive unit became an option rather than a standard fitting.

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon.

Picture Of Austin Healay Cars

A 117 bhp (87 kW) BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of 103.9 mph (167.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.8 miles per imperial gallon (13.6 L/100 km; 17.3 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1307 including taxes of £436.

Austin Healey 100-Six Cars

Austin-Healey 100-Six Cars

1958 Austin-Healey 100-Six (North America)
Manufacturer	British Motor Corporation
Production	1956-1959
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout
Related	Austin A90

Austin Healey 100 BN1 And BN2 Cars

Austin-Healey 100 BN1 And BN2 Cars

Production	1953-1956 14,634 produced
Assembly	Longbridge, England West Bromwich, England
Successor	Austin-Healey 100-Six, series BN4
Engine(s)	2660 cc I4
Transmission(s)	3-speed (series BN1) or 4-speed (series BN2) manual
	90 in (2,286 mm)
Length	151 in (3,835 mm)
Width	60 in (1,524 mm)
Height	49.25 in (1,251 mm)
Fuel capacity	12 imp gal (55 L; 14 US gal)

Austin Healey 100-Six (BN4 and BN6) Cars

Austin-Healey 100-Six Cars

Production	1956-1959 14,436 produced
Assembly	Abingdon, England Longbridge, England
Successor	Austin-Healey 3000
Engine(s)	2639 cc C-Series I6
Wheelbase	92 in (2,337 mm)
Length	157.5 in (4,001 mm)
Width	60 in (1,524 mm)
Height	50 in (1,270 mm)

Austin Healey 3000 Cars And The History Of It Part 1

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

Austin Healey 3000 Cars

* 1959 - 1961 BN7 Mark I (2 seat), BT7 Mark I (2+2 seats)
* 1961 - 1962 BN7 Mark II (2 seat), BT7 Mark II (2+2 seats), BJ7 Mark II (2 seat)
* 1962 - 1964 BJ7 Mark II (roll-up windows)
* 1964 - 1967 BJ8 Mark III

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

The Austin Healey 3000 Cars is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967, and is the best known of the 'big' Healey models. The car's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors, and the vehicles were assembled at the BMC Abingdon works.

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

The 3000 was a successful car which won its class in many European rallies in its heyday - and is still used in competition by enthusiasts today.

Austin Healey 3000 Cars And The History Of It Part 2

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

The original Austin Healey 3000 Cars had a 2912 cc (nearly 3 litres) I6 engine, with twin SU carburetors and Girling front disc brakes. It was only referred to as the Mark I after the Mark II was released, previously only being known as the 3000. Wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, a laminated windscreen, a heater, an adjustable steering column, a detachable hard top and two tone paint were all available as options.

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

The original 3000 was built from March 1959 - March1961 and has model designation BT7 MkI (4 seat version) and BN7 MkI (2 seater).

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

13,650 were made (2,825 BN7 MkI, and 10,825 BT7 MkI).

Picture Of Austin Healey 3000 Cars

A BT7 3000 with hardtop and overdrive tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 21.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.1 L/100 km; 18.0 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1326 including taxes.

Austin Healey 3000 Cars And The History Of It The End Part

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars

The Austin Healey 3000 Mk III Cars was launched in October 1963, and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of Austin Healeys finally ceased. (One further car was built in March 1968.) Classified as the BJ8, the new model was the most powerful and luxurious of the big Healeys, with a walnut-veneer dash, wind up windows, and 150 hp (112 kW) engine. Improvements to the engine included a new camshaft and valve springs, and twin SU 2" HD8 carburettors, together with a new design of exhaust system. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard. Only 2+2 seat versions were made. Option extras were similar to those offered for the MkII, the main change being that the standard interior trim was now Ambla vinyl, with leather seats being added to the list of options.

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars

In May 1964 the Phase II version of the MkIII was released, which had a modified rear chassis to allow rear ground clearance to be increased, and subsequently, in March 1965 the car also gained separate indicators.

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars

Austin Healey 3000 Cars And The History Of It Part 3

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars

Introduced in March 1961, the Austin Healey 3000 Mk II Cars came with three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft, designated the BT7 MkII (4 seat version) and BN7 MkII (2 Seat version). However, upon the introduction of the BJ7 (2+2 seats) model in January 1962, the number of carburettors was reduced to two, (SU type HS6) due to the problems experienced with balancing three carburettors. As a result of the introduction of the BJ7, the BN7 MkII was discontinued in March 1962, and the BT7 MkII followed in June 1962. Externally, the main changes introduced with the BJ7 were a vertical barred front grille, wind up windows rather than side curtains, an improved hood, and a wrap-around windscreen. Optional extras were similar to the MkI, although the option of a factory hardtop was not available from the BJ7's introduction. From August 1961 a brake servo was also available as an optional extra, which greatly improved braking performance. The BJ7 was discontinued in October 1963 with the introduction of the 3000 MkIII.

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars

A 3000 MkII BT7 with hardtop and overdrive tested by the British The Motor magazine in 1961 had a top speed of 112.9 mph (181.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1362 including taxes.

Picture Of Austin Healey Cars