Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

[d_valentino]

Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

Has anyone seen or does anyone have a photo of the "Fitted Luggage" that was an option for the 100 that they can share?

 

[jstmorris]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

Good Day;

According to Peter Svilans, Jerry Coker was once asked at a Conclave forum about the fitted luggage option listed for the 100. Jerry Coker replied "It seems a number of fitted luggage sets have been made over the years for the car as a result of the options listing, but we only ever delivered ONE SET."

Keep in mind that there were four sources for various accessories, extras, or options.

First, there was a "factory option" that was something provided with an official manufacturer part number and could be ordered by the dealer from the factory as a 'manufacturer' fitted option.

Second were options added by the dealer from whom the car was purchased. For example, John Sprinzel Racing, [of Lancaster Mews, London] would differentiated between 'manufacturer' fitted options 'dealer' fitted options.

Third, according to Peter Svilans; “Then there were the aftermarket "extras". The Donald Healey Motor Company was a privately-owned company, a separate entity from Austin's. They offered a list of "Extra Equipment and Modifications" for the cars sold by Austin, but there was no direct relationship. The money for these "Extras" went into the Healeys' pocket, not Austin's. These items did not have Austin part numbers, but numbers used by the component suppliers …”

Finally, there were aftermarket retailers that produced and/or provided all kinds of add-ons for the cars. When it comes to luggage, this outfit currently provides tailor made work: https://www.tarischarysyn.com/

While there may be photos of fitted luggage to the 100, it is very long shot to find photos of the "Fitted Luggage" that was an option for the 100 by the DHMC. If any do exist, you best be would be to contact Peter Svilans at <peter.svilans@rogers.com>.

Good luck in your research and if you do have positive results, please keep us informed.

 

[d_valentino]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

Thanks for the info. I have checked out that web site before. I'd like to build the luggage myself, which is the reason that I am looking for some type of photo. It won't be exactly like the original, but I'd like to get close. I'll most like stitch the Austin-Healey logo in the leather before wrapping it. I'll shoot Peter an e-mail and see what he says.

 

[glemon]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

I haven't seen any either (no surprise), but if you could find some proveable original fitted luggage from DMH it would probably be worth its weight in gold.

I was visiting a friends shop a few months ago and a guy came in with a rare original fitted suitcase for a Porsche 356, he was going to use it as a pattern for reproduction, but had apparently been offered something in the low range of what would buy a big Healey restoration project for the piece.

I like the way you are thinking for the restoration, always thought a tube Radiomobile or other suitable period radio would be a neat addition to a 100.

 

[AH100M]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

An interesting point: I have a copy of a letter from the Donald Healey Motor Co., Ltd. dated May 3, 1956 which includes a price list of available optional equipment. (if anyone wants a copy of the letter let me know and I'll scan the three pages and email it). It lists the fitted luggage for 20 pounds sterling.

 

[d_valentino]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

I'd even settle for a pencil drawing of what one looked like. Peroid hardware would not be that hard to find. My question would be was it curved to match the boot lid or were there two peices that stacked and was there a cut out in the back corner of it for the fuel line coming off the gas tank. We made the seats for my Sprite off the pencil drawing in the Moss Motors catalog because I did not want the white piping so I think I could tackle the luggage.

 

[TomFromStLouis]

Re: Austin Healey 100 "Fitted Luggage"

Gorgeous job on the seats. Me want.