Austin-Healey

In the aftermath of World War II, Donald Healey, a renowned race car driver, combined his genius with major companies, such as Nash, producing the Nash-Healey cars. Later, he designed a car that unified British automotive engineering. The body, designed by Gerry Cocker, was manufactured by Jensen, the engine was borrowed from Austin, it was assembled at MG factories, and distributed by the British Motor Corporation. The first Austin-Healey 100, a sporty roadster, was launched in 1953. Positioned between the rugged TR2 and the prestigious Jaguar XK, it was initially powered by a 2,660cc 4-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower. In 1956, it was replaced by a 2,639cc inline six-cylinder engine, producing 102 horsepower and paired with a four-speed gearbox. The 100/6 was internally designated BN4, a roadster offering two small auxiliary seats. The body was lengthened compared to the 100 four-cylinder model to accommodate the new engine and add two extra seats. The grille was now oval with horizontal bars. Considered more bourgeois than its predecessor, the 100/6 roadster produced a much more pleasant sound with its six-cylinder engine purring. The 100 series would lead to the launch of the 3000 series in 1959.