Coys Auction
Ascot Racecourse,
Berkshire SL5 7JX
Saturday 2 October 2010 at 3pm
In 1951 Donald Healey realised there was a market for a relatively low-priced but high performance sports car. The result, launched to a surprised public at the 1952 London Motor Show, caused a sensation and met with immediate approval from press and enthusiasts alike. Called simply the Healey 100, the new car also caught the attention of BMC supremo Leonard Lord who at once struck an agreement with Healey to market the car as the Austin Healey 100. Production began in May 1953 and it wasn't long before the model was selling like hot cakes and featuring strongly in production racing on both sides of the Atlantic.
In September 1956 the Austin Healey 100/6 was introduced using the six cylinder, 2,639cc BMC engine from the new Austin Westminster, whilst the gearbox now featured overdrive. The 100/6 was phenomenally successful on the road and especially in the international rally world, being campaigned by many