These first Austin-Healeys were followed by the 100/6, powered by BMC's inline-six. The extended wheelbase allowed the company to fit a small rear bench. Heavier than its predecessor, the 100/6 was also slower, which is why Austin-Healey came back in 1959 with a more powerful, 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine. Used in multiple variations, it became the brand's trademark powerplant all the way to the Mark III, which put an end to the dynasty in the late sixties.
A visit from Gerry Coker
"This year, during the Canadian Grand Prix, we had the honor to welcome Gerry Coker, the venerable octogenarian who penned the Healey 100. Fans were able to meet him throughout the festivities and, of course, he took part in the drivers parade," said Roger Hamel, President of the Quebec Austin-Healey Club and one of the brand's most loyal supporters.
I personally had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Coker, a simple man who seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the accolades that were thrown at him. "I am extremely pleased to accept Mr. Hamel's invitation and I'm also very thankful for André Lussier, who was kind enough to let me stay at his house, he said. I'm very much looking forward to the F1 drivers parade, in front of a crowd that seems so fond of English cars. You know, when I designed the Healey, people thought I was an Italian because of the car's sensuous lines that were reminiscent of some of the finest Italian classics. I believe the success of the Healey was the result of these lines, not to mention its pretty affordable price at the time."
The frog
Gerry Coker is also responsible for the inimitable Sprite -- the tiny roadster with the big smile and the frog-like eyes. In an effort to reduce production costs, the Sprite's project manager and son of Donald Healey, Geoffrey, had the headlights mounted directly onto the hood. This particular design feature, combined with a smiley, oval-shaped front grille, gave the Sprite a unique personality and a timeless appeal.
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| Gerry Coker (left) with André Lussier, member of the Quebec Austin-Healey Club. |
A visit from Gerry Coker
"This year, during the Canadian Grand Prix, we had the honor to welcome Gerry Coker, the venerable octogenarian who penned the Healey 100. Fans were able to meet him throughout the festivities and, of course, he took part in the drivers parade," said Roger Hamel, President of the Quebec Austin-Healey Club and one of the brand's most loyal supporters.
I personally had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Coker, a simple man who seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the accolades that were thrown at him. "I am extremely pleased to accept Mr. Hamel's invitation and I'm also very thankful for André Lussier, who was kind enough to let me stay at his house, he said. I'm very much looking forward to the F1 drivers parade, in front of a crowd that seems so fond of English cars. You know, when I designed the Healey, people thought I was an Italian because of the car's sensuous lines that were reminiscent of some of the finest Italian classics. I believe the success of the Healey was the result of these lines, not to mention its pretty affordable price at the time."
The frog
Gerry Coker is also responsible for the inimitable Sprite -- the tiny roadster with the big smile and the frog-like eyes. In an effort to reduce production costs, the Sprite's project manager and son of Donald Healey, Geoffrey, had the headlights mounted directly onto the hood. This particular design feature, combined with a smiley, oval-shaped front grille, gave the Sprite a unique personality and a timeless appeal.
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