When Donald Healey displayed a new sports two-seater on his firms stand
at the 1952 motor show he could not possibly have envisioned the
extraordinary success that it was to enjoy. There are many who would say
that the looks of the early 100 were never matched by the later
six-cylinder Healeys. Perhaps it is true that the first of the line is
the purest expression of its designers intentions. Includes a detailed
technical analysis of the 100, covering all aspects of the chassis,
running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for
subsequent chapters on the BN2, the 100M and the 100S, each of which
receives comprehensive treatment. The author also provides information
on the cars participation in racing competition, draws comparisons with
rival models and gives advice on the practicalities of owning a 100
today. This book opens with an exposition of the background to Donald
Healeys creation of the 100 and with an account of his career to that
time. This is followed by a description of the successive stages of
design and development and of the eventual manufacturing agreement with
Austin. Seven outstanding examples of the four-cylinder 100 - including
an unrestored Le Mans car - have been specially photographed for this
book and are featured in 90 color images. There are also more than 140
black-and-white illustrations drawn from archives and from sales and
publicity material.
