Austin-Healey History

Donald Mitchell Healey (3 July 1898 – 15 January 1988) was interested in all things mechanical at an early age, most particularly aircraft. He undertook an apprenticeship with Sopwith Aviation Company in 1914. In 1916, he volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and became a combat pilot and flying instructor. After the World War I, he returned to Cornwall and undertook a correspondence course in automobile engineering. Healey opened the first garage in Perranporth in 1920 and he developed an interest in rally competition.

In 1931, Healey won the Monte Carlo rally which was the first in a series of racing successes that earned him a reputation as one of the greatest European rally drivers of the 1930-50s.

In 1933, Healey joined Triumph and soon became their technical director.

After World War 2, Healey branched out on his own setting up a small factory building the first "Healey" cars. In 1952, Healey's fortunes grew dramatically when he won an informal 'design competition' run by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) for the development of a new sports-car using Austin and BMC components.

Healey had won against intense competition with MG competing with a design that eventually became the MGA.

Donald Healey's prototype "Healey 100" won the competition and the model was re-named the "Austin-Healey".

Austin-Healey cars were produced until 1972 when the 20-year agreement between Healey and Austin came to an end.

Projects by Finch Restorations

Austin-Healey car restorations performed in recent times by Finch Restorations are provided below.