Description
By: Geoffrey Healey .
There have been many books about the world-famous Healey and Austin- Healey cars, but here — re-issued to meet continuing demand — is the definitive account. Drawing on the diaries, notebooks, photographs and films of both Donald and Geoffrey Healey to provide much previously unpublished material, it gives the complete story, corrects myths and misinformation, and answers questions raised by enthusiasts over the years. There are also fascinating insights into the Healeys' own father and son partnership and their 30-year involvement in the motor industry.
The book covers the conception of the cars, their design, development, testing and manufacture, their speed record-breaking and competition successes (and failures), their sales promotion and — after the Austin Motor Company became part of BMC and British Leyland — their eventual demise.
The author puts the record straight on a number of misconceptions that have crept into Healey folklore, and makes clear that the so-called 'Healey luck' was nothing of the sort, but rather the result of rigorous preparation and the dedication of every member of the team. Nowhere was this more apparent than during the 1950s endurance and speed record attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, or in the special test vehicles that competed in the Mille Miglia, Le Mans 24-Hour and Sebring 12-Hour races.
Tragically, Geoffrey Healey died after writing the first draft of this book. The work was completed by his daughters Cecilia and Kate, with help from his widow Margot and surviving members of the Works Experimental Team. They have produced a fine tribute to the men and their marque.
