NEW British luxury brand Caton has unveiled its first creation – an ultra-exclusive reincarnation of the iconic 1950s Austin-Healey 100 sports car.
It features a unique combination of hi-tech design and engineering alongside traditional craftsmanship to bring the revered machine right up to date.
Using carefully selected original donor cars, just 25 examples of the Healey by Caton will be built to bespoke customer specifications by the firm at its base in Coventry.
Owners can each expect to fork out £395,000 (plus tax and freight charges) but the firm is promising a true driver’s car that delivers “an immersive, intoxicating and highly emotional experience”.
Exterior changes have smoothed out the original, with a redesigned front grille, removal of the bumpers and remodelling of the headlights to include LED lamps.
Bodywork seams, beading and the external boot hinges and handle have been ditched, while a new air vent and finisher are integrated into the flanks.
A new cockpit makes use of top-end contemporary and period materials – including upholstery from Scottish firm Bridge of Weir Leather.
And the introduction of a five-speed manual gearbox creates more space, resulting in a highly usable sports car that offers drivers the feeling of a classic but with true comfort.
The finishing touches are a high-performance engine and finely honed suspension, all of which combine to elevate driving pleasure to another level.
Based on an original Austin-Healey block, the fully refurbished and upgraded 3.0-litre four-cylinder unit develops 185bhp, so can take the car well beyond the 100mph top speed after which it was named.
Healey by Caton design boss Darryl Scriven said: “We wanted to pay homage to the original vehicle while making it more comfortable to live with, more fun to drive and even more dynamic and beautiful to look at.”
