1967 BJ8 Coupe based upon the ACME advert

[andrewss]

A friend of a friend produced a photoshop image and posted it. Its not my final design...

 

[Healey Nut]

A friend of a friend produced a photoshop image and posted it. Its not my final design...

Phew.......... thank goodness its only a photo shopped picture and not an actual Healey coz its BUTT UGLY to be really honest . Way too bulbous on top needs to be much more sleek at the rear smaller rear window and yes small triangular side rear windows . Think (dare I say this) Triumph GT6 or MGB GT or 2007 BMW Z4 coupe .(Coz I own one)

 

[DerekJ]

The windscreen supports are too long which means the roof is too high. The window is almost square. Make a fastback coupe but forget about anyone getting in the back.

 

[BigGreen]

... .Makes it look like a hatchback Volvo .

AMC Pacer ;-p

I still believe you are going to make a beautifull car

 

[Henry]

I also like the Cape Coupe design - here's another classic, though slightly heavy in the C-pillar for an Austin Healey. I think there are certain curves, fender bulges and sight lines in an AH that make it look always like a Healey, and not a Ferrari 250 SWB.

Have fun with your design!

 

[HealeyRick]

Wonder what ever became of this project? Andrew hasn't been active on the forum since 2015. Anyone ever know if he finished his coupe?

 

[HealeyRick]

As you can see by my participation in this thread over the years, I've long been attracted by the idea of a Healey fastback. My friend David Townsend of sportscarart.com and I have been working with bringing the idea to fruition. The present plan is to do his design in fiberglass. Most likely a one-off. Will be removable to extend the driving season here in New England and still have the BJ7 convertible available during the summer. It will be some time due to coronavirus that we can get together to do the work, but here's the concept:

 

[dcarlg]

That's Sweet!
I hope you make a roadster model, too.

 

[HealeyRick]

That's Sweet!
I hope you make a roadster model, too.

Here's a BT7 version.

 

[Editor_Reid]

David certainly does beautiful work.

 

[Healey Nut]

I cannot help but notice how low the apparently big rear window comes down toward the rear of the car. This would require the fabrication of a new boot lid and make access the the boot to service the battery, fuel, tank and spare tire, etc. a lot more difficult. It does look good though, but I would prefer a smaller rear window.

I think the BT7 version looks more realistic/sleeker for some reason. Looking at it again it’s a combination of the BJ8 quarter light windows and also the rear side window base should follow the body line more instead of having the upsweep on the bottom edge. On the BJ8 version the rear side window should be elongated to the fuel filler and have a bottom edge that follows the body line.

 

[twas_brillig]

How 'bout taking a bunch of time, money, and energy, and building that Mutant Automotive Healeyata, but as a coupe? I'll sit back in my armchair, and express admiration for all approaches. Doug

 

[Editor_Reid]

I think the BT7 version looks more realistic/sleeker for some reason.

I think it may be the shape of the rear side glass that makes the BJ7 version look out of kilter.

On the BT7 the rear side window follows the kick-up curve of the rear wing. However, on the BJ7 version is makes that same curve but doesn't need to, and I think it may look cleaner if it (the shape of the rear side window glass) were flat along the bottom edge, not mimicking the rear wing up-curve, and instead followed that flat horizontal character line.

(I know, I know, everyone wants to be the art department. Please forgive me.)

 

[Healey Nut]

I’m no photoshopper expert so I just screenshot and hand drew in “my interpretation” of the rear side window for the BJ version

 

[John Turney]

I agree with Healey Nut. Unless the backlight is borrowed from an other car, I would make it shorter, not drop so low.

On the BJ model, I would make the bottom of the quarter window straight and align with the chrome finisher on the door and rear shroud. The top and curved rear is excellent. I agree that the BT7 version looks better. On both of them, the rear of the quarter window should be able to be poped open to ventilate the cockpit.