Austin Healey

In a radical deal involving Chinese car maker Nanjing, HFI Auto­motive and Healey Auto­motive Consultants, plans have been drawn up to relaunch the Healey brand, further develop the MG marque and resurrect Austin Healey.

The move means the revival of the three famous British brands could be more significant than expected – as the huge resources of Nanjing are focused on creating a wider range of sports cars than originally announced. Crucially, Nanjing’s ownership of the Austin badge means that the revival of Austin Healey is now possible.

There has been cynicism about Nanjing and MG’s ability to run a successful car business, both in the UK and China, but it’s worth remembering that Nanjing has delivered on the core of its plan. Not only is volume production of MG cars in China underway, but limited assembly of the TF roadster is progressing in the UK. Securing a part in the deal to return Healey to the road is Nanjing’s latest coup. It should be noted that the last firm that tried – and failed – to secure the rights to the Healey nameplate was BMW...

Plans for the future of Austin Healey and Healey are still shrouded in secrecy, but it’s understood that HFI Automotive has ditched earlier attempts to join forces with Swedish sports car maker, Josse Car. Instead, the firm will focus on new engineering technology available via its partnership with Nanjing.

Auto Express understands that three cars are being evaluated. First is a small front-wheel-drive Austin Healey coupé, possibly badged Sprite and based on the MG ZR platform. A second Austin Healey model, derived from the TF and with a mid-mounted V6, is also planned, while an upmarket Healey coupé based loosely on the front-engined, rear-drive chassis of the MG ZT V8 is also mooted. However, using anything from MG’s SV supercar programme is thought to have been discounted. That’s because its design is in the hands of MG Sport and Racing, which is believed to still be owned by MG Rover’s previous owner, Phoenix Venture Holdings.

However, all parties involved in the deal have promised the move will not mean Healey simply putting its badge on existing MG sports cars. In a statement to Auto Express, the three parties said: “Neither Healey nor Austin Healey cars will be badge-engineered MGs. To offer customers value for money, there may be crossover parts. Plans for the design and development of the new cars are underway, but no launch dates have yet been set, as it is critical that products meet customer expectations.”

Engineering for the three marques is likely to be steered by consultancy firm ARUP, which advised NAC on the acquisition and redevelopment of MG Rover’s models. Much of the effort will be centred in China and the UK, but all firms were quick to point out that “no location for production has yet been decided”.

Who are the people behind Healey?
Although the three parties behind the project will be well known to some industry experts, not everyone has heard of them before. Most widely recognised is Nanjing Automobile Company, the Chinese firm that bought MG Rover’s assets in 2005. HFI Automotive, run by engineer and Healey expert Tim Fenna, is the firm behind the 2006 relaunch of the brand, as reported in Auto Express, Issue 895. Healey Automotive Consultants is the custodian of the Healey trademarks, and has previously worked with HFI to help keep historic Healeys on the road. Its management team includes members of the Healey family.