HMC MKIV Healey - Road Test by Quentin Willson - Top Gear March 1996 - FULL EPISODE

This car (HMC MKIV SE - chassis no. 51 - current reg. G8 HLY) was manufactured by the Healey Motor Company GB Ltd. - a company formed in the late 80's with the help of Geoffrey Healey (son of Donald Healey).
Its intention was to produce a legitimate successor to the Austin Healey 3000 MKIII i.e. a factory-built sports car tastefully updated from its 1960's design to incorporate 1990's technology - thus making it thoroughly useable and reliable.
Quote from Geoffrey Healey: "I think you should describe it as an evolution, my father Donald would have approved of that. It's a modern version of the car British Leyland stopped making in 1968, and it's where I suppose the car would have got to had it stayed in production".
The driving force behind the design and implementation of the MKIV were brothers Graham and Peter Homes who set up a factory in Stroud, employing a small team of approx. 20 people.
Prior to launch, Jensen started a legal challenge to prevent the cars from being badged 'Healey' claiming they owned the 'Healey' trademark.
In order not to delay production, all literature was reprinted and cars left the factory badged simply 'HMC'. (Jensen subsequently withdrew their action).
Initially, all cars were produced exclusively for the the European market in LHD until 1996 when it was decided to introduce the MKIV into the UK and this actual car, being the first production RHD car, was used as the UK press launch car.
All UK cars were distributed through All Electric Garages of Birmingham (hence trade plate H1 AEG)
It enjoyed unequalled complimentary press coverage and was widely regarded as an extremely capable modern sports car in its own right.
"Praise doesn't come much higher for a car that turns every journey into a memorable experience, I adore it". (Roger Bell - Performance Car. May 1996.
Hand-built to extremely high 'bespoke aircraft standards', the MKIV was engineered around Rover's aluminium 3.9L V8 engine.
A total of only 167 MKIV's were built during the 1990's (of which less than 40 were RHD) until production was stopped when Rover withdrew supplies of the engine in 2000/1 - also affecting the likes of TVR and Morgan at that time.
Updated improvements included a high impact double skinned GRP body sitting on a corrosion resistant space frame chassis, five-speed gearbox, disc brakes all round, independent suspension with adjustable dampers, power steering, electric windows, central locking, efficient heater, walnut dash and stainless steel wheels and exhaust - all resulting in a price tag of nearly £45k.

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

Is HMC still around?

[@AlejandroFlores-Ibarra]

Nope, sadly went out of business in 2001.

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

@@AlejandroFlores-Ibarra that’s sad… they made such a nice product!