UK-based Caton has revealed its modern take on the Austin Healey 100 -
This is the Healey by Caton, an extremely limited-run reimagination of the Austin Healey 100 built by British coachbuilder Caton. Designed and manufactured with an emphasis on extremely fine engineering practice through a blend of cutting edge manufacturing practices and heritage craftsmanship, the Healey by Caton hopes to channel the spirit of the 1953 original through a contemporary lens.
Each unit is built from an underlying donor car, with bespoke panels fitted in place of the originals. These have all been subtly reformed to clean up the fitment and execution of the bodywork, removing beading and panel gaps to create a seamless look. The bonnet and front fenders have also been subtly reshaped to integrate a new grille design flanked by modern LED headlights.
While the design has been a point of very subtle modification, Caton has leant on modern technology to ensure fit, finish and panel gaps are at the highest OEM standards – an essential step when attempting to combine period-style English wheel manufacturing with this sort of precision.
Under the delicate skin is a 2954cc four-cylinder engine that produces 185bhp and 195lb ft of torque. Built up from an original Austin Healey block, the engine is lightened, balanced and fitted with a new steel crankshaft, high compression pistons, a high-output camshaft and twin H8 carburettors. The exhaust then breathes through a minimalist exhaust system that exits out the side.
Limited to 25 units, Caton has not announced any ballpark pricing, but the very nature of the Austin Healey 100’s accessible nature should see it priced well below other coachbuild outfits like Eagle, and more on the same page as others like David Brown Automotive. This first example will be revealed to the public on April 21-23 at the London Concours London, before heading to the Bicester Scramble on April 24.