OK, --I'll bite.....
I found the sketch of the new Healey encouraging. --Even though descriptions
make it out to be one of several possible, -to me it looked like they were
headed in the right direction. --I will reserve any total commitment to the
design, until I see the front, and see it in actual sheet metal, but as I
said, I do like what we have seen so far.
There are recognizable Healey styling cues, as Joe said. The general flow of
the sill contour, the hint at coves, the cowled top tail lamps.
At first, I was a bit disappointed that the first new Healey would be a coupe,
--but then I realized that there is probably a bigger market for hardtops than
convertibles, and would probably help the company get off to a more solid
financial start. --If I have a reservation about the design......it is that I
hope that the rear window does not look more 1980's Camaro-Firebird-ish, once
we see the actual car.
I found that in order to determine if I like the new car, I had to outline
what I want and expect.
---A classic design, graceful and agile, -but somewhat formal -in the way that
Aston Martins are. -With clear Healey heritage.
---A truly contemporary car, -but with a distinctive character.
Personality......not the current common sterile utility.
---Aggressive racing character. Not so "finished" and complex that it cannot
be easily reworked for racing and competition, as with the original cars.
---Respectable power, and superior handling but through simple and rugged
suspension and steering components.
---Price below $60,000 --and substantially lower, if at all possible.
No way to tell from the current drawing if any of these (or your) criterion
will be met. -Since it is unlikely that I will ever actually add a new Healey
to my stable... My main concerns are that the new Healey will be a credit to
the name, a serious enthusiasts car, and carry forward the character of the
cars we all love so much.
David W. Jones
'62 Mk II BT7 tricarb
Cumberland, RI USA
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe and Lenore Armour
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 8:58 AM
Subject: New Healey
Somebody must go first so why not me?
The style of the 'new' Healey appeals to me.Sure it is not the same and
why should that be expected almost 40 years after the last Austin Healey
and 50 years after the original.
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