Austin-Healey 100 / 3000 History
The 'big Healey' — a muscular British roadster from the Austin/Donald Healey joint venture, a rally and sports-car icon.
Photo: “Austin Healy 100 BN1 (1954) (52856977316).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
Austin-Healey was formed in 1952 as a joint venture between BMC's Austin division and the Donald Healey Motor Company. The first car, the four-cylinder Austin-Healey 100 (1953–1956), was a clean, fast and relatively affordable open two-seater that became a transatlantic hit.
The six-cylinder 100-6 (1956–1959) and then the larger-engined 3000 (1959–1967) grew into the definitive 'big Healey': a torquey, charismatic sports car that was also a formidable rally weapon. The final Mark III 3000 gained wind-up windows and a convertible top before the Austin-Healey partnership wound down.
Generations
Austin-Healey 100 · Four-cylinder 100
Photo: “Austin Healy 100 BN1 (1954) (52856977316).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
The original four-cylinder roadster (BN1/BN2), plus 50 race-prepared 100S cars.
1954 Photo: “Austin Healy 100 BN1 (1954) (52856977316).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Austin-Healey 100-6 · Six-cylinder 100-6
Photo: “1958 Austin Healey 100-6 BN4 2+2 (14313788152).jpg” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Re-engined with a 2.6-litre six; offered as a 2+2 (BN4) and two-seat (BN6) roadster.
1958 Photo: “1958 Austin Healey 100-6 BN4 2+2 (14313788152).jpg” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Austin-Healey 3000 · Big Healey 3000
Photo: “1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2.9-litre 'big Healey'; Mark III (1962–1967) added wind-up windows and a proper convertible top.
1960 Photo: “1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1.jpg” by Dave Hamster / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1963 Photo: “1963 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Roadster
- Convertible
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Austin-Healey 100 / 3000
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.