History of our club
40th Annniversary party in 2015
The History of the New England Region of the Austin Healey Club of America, began in 1975. On a gloomy, rainy May 5, Bill and Lynn Wood opened their Somers, CT home to a gathering of 45 hardy Austin Healey enthusiasts who had traveled from all corners of New England. Using a mailing list from a national Austin Healey club, he contacted everyone listed in New England to meet and discuss the formation of a New England-based Austin Healey club. Before the day was over, a schedule of events were planned for the rest of the year with Bill serving as president. In a short time, the club began to grow and word spread that exciting events were being held for Austin Healey enthusiasts in the Northeast. It was not long before the club was approached by the Austin Healey Club of America to become a region under their nationwide organization. The decision was unanimous.
Today, the New England Region’s membership is over 325 enthusiasts from across the Northeast, with many members owning multiple Austin Healey's. The club has thrived on a well-organized set of guidelines with Officers and regional Area Coordinators. Area Coordinators represent members across New England and NY. Under the leadership of a club president, AHCA NE has officers of Vice President, Membership/Treasurer, Secretary/Webmaster, Newsletter Editor/Publisher, and National Delegate. The AHCA NE electronic newsletter, "Healey Exhaust Notes" is published monthly and provides a calendar of events with details on future meets, as well as articles about previous meets. A classified section offers free advertising for members as well as paid ads placed by vendors.
The New England Region has always prided itself on being a family oriented club. Technical sessions are held for those interested in learning how to restore or maintain their cars, but in general, meets are geared for fellowship and entertainment. These events may be for one-day, or weekend gatherings, and may include car shows, rallies, gymkhanas and tours, and of course time to relax with a glass of wine and fine food. The neighboring national chapters from Southern Ontario and Quebec often attend these events and they in turn have hosted meets where the New England membership are their guests. Consequently, many of the die-hard Austin Healey enthusiasts have traveled all over the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. The annual regional multi day AHCA NE event is called Summit. The first Summit was held in Jackson, NH. One highlight from the event was the sunset tour of nearly 40 Austin Healeys going to the top of Mount Washington. Summits are held across the region each year to provide members an opportunity to experience the interesting character throughout New England and New York. Summit 2021, Healeys@Newport will be held at the Wayfinder Hotel in Newport, RI September 19 - 23rd.
Sound interesting? Want to join us on our next adventure? Click on the membership link in the left hand column for a membership form.
History of the Austin Healey Marque
Donald Healey ran a small works company, producing only a small number of cars. Healey showed a car at the Earls Court motor show in 1952 called the 100. On seeing the general public's enthusiasm for the car, Austin thought fit to produce the car at Longbridge. This car later went on to be known as the Austin-Healey 100. The original ‘big Healey’ was powered by a 2.6 litre four-cylinder engine.
In 1958 the Sprite was released. The much-loved “Frog-Eyed-Sprite” has enthusiasts spread around the globe. The headlights were originally intended to be retractable, but due to the costs involved the idea was shelved, and they were just bolted to the bonnet! The public sure liked the car, because the company sold almost 40,000. A more powerful version of the big Healey launched in 1959, the Austin-Healey 3000. In 1972 Austin-Healey ceased building cars, However Healey’s name lived on with the Jensen-Healey, and Sprite parts were still to be used in the MG Midget.
Although Austin-Healeys were built in Great Britain, they were designed to appeal to Americans-in fact, Austin-Healey exported close to 90 percent of their cars to North America. Among these automobiles, the 100 and 3000 Series-or “Big Healeys”-produced from 1953 through 1968 were the fastest and most glamorous. Today, the best "Big" Healey's can be worth as much as six figures for the most desirable models. A nice driver quality Austin Healey can be worth more than $40k to$60k, while a healthy aftermarket serves Austin-Healey enthusiasts who can find a ready supply of project cars in the $20,000 range.
Today, the New England Region’s membership is over 325 enthusiasts from across the Northeast, with many members owning multiple Austin Healey's. The club has thrived on a well-organized set of guidelines with Officers and regional Area Coordinators. Area Coordinators represent members across New England and NY. Under the leadership of a club president, AHCA NE has officers of Vice President, Membership/Treasurer, Secretary/Webmaster, Newsletter Editor/Publisher, and National Delegate. The AHCA NE electronic newsletter, "Healey Exhaust Notes" is published monthly and provides a calendar of events with details on future meets, as well as articles about previous meets. A classified section offers free advertising for members as well as paid ads placed by vendors.
The New England Region has always prided itself on being a family oriented club. Technical sessions are held for those interested in learning how to restore or maintain their cars, but in general, meets are geared for fellowship and entertainment. These events may be for one-day, or weekend gatherings, and may include car shows, rallies, gymkhanas and tours, and of course time to relax with a glass of wine and fine food. The neighboring national chapters from Southern Ontario and Quebec often attend these events and they in turn have hosted meets where the New England membership are their guests. Consequently, many of the die-hard Austin Healey enthusiasts have traveled all over the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. The annual regional multi day AHCA NE event is called Summit. The first Summit was held in Jackson, NH. One highlight from the event was the sunset tour of nearly 40 Austin Healeys going to the top of Mount Washington. Summits are held across the region each year to provide members an opportunity to experience the interesting character throughout New England and New York. Summit 2021, Healeys@Newport will be held at the Wayfinder Hotel in Newport, RI September 19 - 23rd.
Sound interesting? Want to join us on our next adventure? Click on the membership link in the left hand column for a membership form.
History of the Austin Healey Marque
Donald Healey ran a small works company, producing only a small number of cars. Healey showed a car at the Earls Court motor show in 1952 called the 100. On seeing the general public's enthusiasm for the car, Austin thought fit to produce the car at Longbridge. This car later went on to be known as the Austin-Healey 100. The original ‘big Healey’ was powered by a 2.6 litre four-cylinder engine.
In 1958 the Sprite was released. The much-loved “Frog-Eyed-Sprite” has enthusiasts spread around the globe. The headlights were originally intended to be retractable, but due to the costs involved the idea was shelved, and they were just bolted to the bonnet! The public sure liked the car, because the company sold almost 40,000. A more powerful version of the big Healey launched in 1959, the Austin-Healey 3000. In 1972 Austin-Healey ceased building cars, However Healey’s name lived on with the Jensen-Healey, and Sprite parts were still to be used in the MG Midget.
Although Austin-Healeys were built in Great Britain, they were designed to appeal to Americans-in fact, Austin-Healey exported close to 90 percent of their cars to North America. Among these automobiles, the 100 and 3000 Series-or “Big Healeys”-produced from 1953 through 1968 were the fastest and most glamorous. Today, the best "Big" Healey's can be worth as much as six figures for the most desirable models. A nice driver quality Austin Healey can be worth more than $40k to$60k, while a healthy aftermarket serves Austin-Healey enthusiasts who can find a ready supply of project cars in the $20,000 range.
AHC New England joins AHCA in 1978