This Austin-based sports car the Healey 100 was notably adopted by Austin at the London Motor Show and it quickly became the Austin-Healey 100.

In this car Healey has cleverly re-used the rather humdrum Austin mechanicals and produced a tough and capable sports that gave performance, but did not cost accordingly. The original 100 was a 2660cc four-cylinder engine,from the extremely dull Austin Atlantic, that was combined with an existing four-speed gearbox. Double overdrive helped and a proper four-speed (plus overdrive) 'box followed in 1955.

Here are some specifications:-

Engine:-

2660cc Austin, in-line four.

Bore and Stroke:-

87.3 X 111.1mm

Valve Gear:-

Pushrod operated ohv.

Fuel System:-

Twin SU carburettors.

Power:-

90 hp at 4000 rpm.

Suspension:-

Wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bar (Front)

Live axle with semi-elliptic springs (Rear).

Wheels:-

16in wire wheels.

Brakes:-

Hydraulic drum brakes all round.

Top Speed:-

115 mph (185 kmph).

What followed was an even higher version of the Austin Healey. The first was the 100M, which had a high compression engine, developed 110 bhp.

The 100S was more sought-after as it was faster and it was fitted with an alloy-head version of the Austin engine that generated 132 bhp. It had lightweight alloy panels and disc brakes. Despite all this only 55 models of the 100S were made.

In 1956 came the four door car that was later replaced by the 100/6. This led to the earlier car being called the 100/4. Early 100/6s offered two plus two accomodation, but the two-seater wasn't completely dead, as a version was reintroduced in 1958.

Although it was more refined than before the 100/6 was slower than the four-cylinder cars it replaced. This situation was later corrected by the arrival of the Austin-Healey 3000 in 1959.