Austin-Healey

By Dan Strong

27th September 2007

The revival of Austin-Healey is going pedal to the metal in the UK. The famous name is back this week – but with two wheels, rather than four.

That’s because the nameplate is set to be worn by a bicycle, due to arrive in the UK early next year! Although the traditionally styled city models will initially be imported from China by toy firm Kids@Play, Malcolm Evans, the company director, eventually hopes to build the bikes in this country, too.

“Austin-Healey is one of Great Britain’s quality marques, and we are extremely proud to have acquired the contract to use this remarkable brand,” he said. There will be six models in the bicycle range, all made with alloy frames and using high-specification Shimano gear sets.

However, news of Austin-Healey’s two-wheeled arrival has reportedly shocked car firm Nanjing. It owns the rights to the Austin marque, and recently struck a deal with Healey custodian HFI Automotive to reunite the two famous names.