Cars
The Nostalgia of Forgotten Gods: Austin-Healey, UK, 1952-1972
The Austin-Healey brand, founded in 1952, created iconic sports cars until 1972, known for their performance and design. Despite early success, production ended due to the oil crisis and corporate changes.
The story of the Austin-Healey brand begins in 1952 when Leonard Lord, president of the Austin Motor Company, decided to partner with Donald Healey, a driver and engineer who had attempted to produce cars under his own name after World War II. The goal was to create quality small sports cars at a relatively affordable price, a dream made possible by the industrial support of the BMC - British Motor Corporation - owner of Austin. A 20-year agreement was signed.
The first car that was born was the 100, embodying a pure sports spirit with a weight of just over a ton and a detailed design with a sleek body, often painted in two-tone, leather interiors and optional leather hood straps. Initially, the engine was inherited from the Austin A90, a 4-cylinder 2660cc, while in 1956 with the introduction of the 100-6, a new 2639cc 102hp 6-cylinder engine debuted. The characteristic three-speed transmission with overdrive made it effectively a six-speed. Hence the name 100 (one hundred miles per hour)and six gears.
