Let's play Name That Car

[BlackBart]

I learn so much here. Foggy's last link led me to the history of the Austin Healey. I was unaware that this humble little thing, the Austin A90 Atlantic, in the early 1950's, contributed it's basic chassis layout and 2.7L four cylinder engine to a new sportscar from Donald Healey. It was aimed at increasing production and selling cars in America like Triumph and MG.

Austin A90 Atlantic 1950.jpg (86.62 KiB) Viewed 150 times

The Healey 100 was designed by Gerry Coker, who formed an Italian-ish shape over the various Austin parts he was handed. It was intended to hit 100 mph, and "look good doing it."

Austin-Healey-100 1952.jpg (28.46 KiB) Viewed 150 times

The 100 was shown at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show as the "Healey 100." The first day they were overwhelmed with interest and orders. Donald Healey couldn't possibly build that many. Overnight a deal was made with the bigger Austin company and in the morning a new badge on the car proclaimed it the "Austin-Healey 100," or internally as the BN1.

Production was moved to an Austin plant, where they could produce 200 a week compared to Healey's 20-30. Design, development, and the racing division remained with Healey.

A slightly modified (cam, valve springs, more advance, and twin SU carbs) 100 placed 12th at the 1953 Le Mans, generating big interest. An improved 100S with disc brakes was entered at Sebring in 1954 and came in 3rd. They eventually sold 74,000 100's.

AH-1.jpg (51.72 KiB) Viewed 150 times

[foggydogg]

I've owned four big Healeys, drove a 100 in college '67-'69 before heading to the Pacific.
The Riley reference was a tie-in to an earlier post, the Healey Elliot used Riley engines.

[BlackBart]

I've owned four big Healeys, drove a 100 in college '67-'69 before heading to the Pacific.

Nice! I have a retired friend here with a Bugeye and a BJ7 3000, which he restored from swiss cheese - new frame, the whole bit. He sometimes hauls it up to Alberta for the big British shows they have.

When I was 18, I sold my old Bronco and went looking for a Healey 3000. There was a '67 at a Denver outdoor sportscar lot - that silver blue, painted wires, red-line michelins, roll-down windows....I was in love. It was $3500......might as well have been a million. Couldn't afford the '72 240Z either. I ended up with a '73 Capri V6.

[abscate]

Last I looked HEALEY’s were still affordable in the toy range, decent cash but not empty your 401k type cash

[matthew1]

f.jpg (187.36 KiB) Viewed 116 times

[volvolugnut]

Interesting project. Smooth transition lines.
Ford. Fairlane? + F150 bed. Both about 1976.
volvolugnut

[foggydogg]

Grey beauty from any angle.jpg (51.76 KiB) Viewed 105 times

[foggydogg]

Blue beauty 1ad03109b2d479ac8b10903faed65bf.jpg (148.68 KiB) Viewed 105 times

[matthew1]

Japanese or Italian?

[BlackBart]

Looks like a Maserati Mistral.