Austin-Healey Big Healey: books - history (1/2)

Factory-Original Austin-Healey 100/6 & 3000 : The originality guide to six-cylinder Austin-Healeys, 1956-1968

An inspired design by Donald Healey and his small team at the Healey Motor Company, the four-cylinder Austin-Healey 100 sports car had proved a major success and made a big name for itself by the time its successor, the six-cylinder 2.6-litre 100/6, arrived in 1956. This came as a 2+2 seater, joined in 1958 by a two-seat version.
Both were replaced by the more powerful 3000 model in 1959, again offered as a two-seater or 2+2, and available with disc brakes.
The Mk II 3000, launched in 1961, could be had either as a 132bhp two-seater with triple carburettors and side screens, which only sold in small numbers, or as the less spartan 2+2 convertible with wind-up windows, and the final version was the 2+2-only 1964 Mk III, now with 150bhp, a wood-veneered dash and better appointments.

All these "Big Healeys" are as much admired and sought-after today as when they were new, offering a splendid mix of looks and performance as well as the traditional sports car attributes of open-air motoring and a gutsy exhaust note.
Here marque expert Bill Piggott gives full details of correct specification and equipment for all these cars, backed up by in-depth colour photography of outstanding examples of all models and variants. Body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim, dashboard, instruments and controls, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, lamps, and other features right down to the tool kit, are all covered.
More than 350 specially commissioned colour photographs of outstanding examples of all models provide evidence of the originality in detail that so many owners and prospective owners of these great cars seek.

Austin Healey 100 In Detail - BN1, BN2, 100M and 100S 1953-56

When Donald Healey unveiled a new sports two-seater at the 1952 motor show, he likely didn't anticipate its remarkable success. Yet, looking back, the reasons for its popularity are evident: timeless design, mechanical simplicity, affordability, powerful engine, and spacious cockpit.
Despite some drawbacks like the three-speed gearbox and low body placement causing exhaust damage, the car reached a top speed of 100mph and was easy to drive.

The BN1 model, with its three-speed gearbox and dual overdrive, was succeeded by the four-speed BN2. Other variants included the high-performance 100M and the competition-oriented 100S. Production of the four-cylinder 100 series reached nearly 15,000 by 1956, mostly exported to North America.

This book delves into Donald Healey's background, design and development stages, and technical analysis of the 100. It covers subsequent models like the BN2, 100M, and 100S, detailing their participation in competitions and offering practical ownership advice.

Featuring seven specially photographed examples and over 250 illustrations, this book is the definitive guide to the Austin-Healey 100 series, honoring its legacy and appeal to enthusiasts worldwide.

Austin-Healey 3000 - Brooklands Road Test Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Austin-Healey 3000 models from the years 1959-1967. Describes the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk.1, Mk.2 and Mk.3.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.
• Offers also advice for the purchase of a pre-owned Austin-Healey 3000.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Austin Healey 100 & 300 Series

The "Big Healeys" took the motoring world by storm in the 1950s and 60s - these powerful and fascinating cars were not only popular as production cars, but also enjoyed considerable success in rallying and racing.
This book is the in-depth story of the marque's evolution, from Donald Healey's initial inspiration to the Layland take-over that saw the end of Austin-Healey.

Topics covered include:
- the complete history of the company and development of 100 and 2000 models;
- full specification tables
- detailed accounts of the cars' competition fortunes.

Austin-Healey

Born in 1952, the Austin-Healey 100 soon took the UK and US markets by storm. A beautiful, brutish car, it was what many sporting motorists had been waiting for, and at a relatively affordable price.
Following the 100 was the 3000 - a car as successful on the rally stage as it was loved on the open road, and the Sprite - which recreated the market for the cheap 'everyman's' sports car.

Graham Robson, an authority on the British motor industry, presents a concise history of Austin-Healey, and the marque's success on road and track. Illustrated throughout, it is an ideal introduction for all lovers of this quintessentially British sports car.

Big Healeys - All models (1953-1967) - The Essential Buyer's Guide

Interest in Big Healey models has continued to grow since production was halted over 40 years ago, and support for the marque remains strong. This book is an indispensible resource for anyone contemplating the purchase of an example of these iconic cars.

A candid assessment of each model guides you to selecting the right model for your intended use, and arms you with the essential knowledge to select the right example of this increasingly popular marque.
Featuring both short and thorough evaluation guides, advice on paperwork, auctions, restorations, and much more, this is an invaluable book for both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors.

Austin Healy Big Healeys: Alle Modelle (1953-1967) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Klassikerexperte Reid Trummel hat für den vorliegenden Ratgeber die wichtigsten und hilfreichsten Insiderinformationen für alle "Big Healey"-Modelle (100, 100/4, 100/6, & 3000 Mk I-III) von 1953 bis 1967 zusammengestellt.

Wie gewohnt präsentiert sich dieser Band als kompakter Ratgeber und unverzichtbares Hilfsmittel bei der Beurteilung des Zustandes eines zum Verkauf stehenden "Big Healey"-Exemplars.
Hier findet jeder Interessent wichtige Tipps, worauf er beim Kauf achten muss, um nicht später eine böse überraschung zu erleben. Außerdem ergänzt ein ausführlicher Teil mit wichtigen Adressen und Ansprechpartnern diesen wertvollen Begleiter.