The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2025 - Issue 37

bitewatches S wiss watchmaker Frédérique Constant and iconic British car marque Austin-Healey have collab- orated since 2007 on a series of timepieces that pay homage to the golden age of racing. The story began with their shared precision, performance, and timeless design ethos. Frédérique Constant, founded in 1988, has carved a niche by offering accessible luxury craftsmanship, while Austin-Healey is steeped in British motoring history, with its sleek roadsters dominating the rally circuits of the 1950s and 1960s. Donald Healey, a former rally driver and engineer, had a vision to create a high-performance, affordable sports car that could appeal to British and American drivers. At the 1952 London Motor Show, he unveiled the Healey 100, a sleek, low-slung roadster powered by a 2.6-litre Austin en- gine that could hit 100 mph, hence the name. An instant sensation, Leonard Lord of BMC (British Motor Corpora- tion) was so impressed that he struck a deal on the spot to mass-produce the car under the Austin-Healey name. The initial make was followed by the 100S, a lightweight, race-prepped version that competed at Le Mans and Sebring. In 1956, the 100-6 arrived with a six-cylinder engine and a longer wheelbase, offering 2+2 seating. But it was the Austin-Healey 3000, introduced in 1959, that became the brand’s most iconic model. With a 3.0-litre engine, front disc brakes, and a reputation for rugged per- formance, the 3000 dominated rally circuits and became a favourite among enthusiasts worldwide. The powerhouse earned its stripes in events like the Mille Miglia, RAC Rally, and Sebring 12 Hours. Parallel to the ‘Big Healeys’, the Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionally known as the ‘Frogeye’ (or ‘Bugeye’ in the US), debuted in 1958. The minimalist, affordable roadster was known for its distinctive headlamp placement and brought sports car thrills to a broader audience. Later iterations added roll-up windows and more creature comforts, but the original’s charm remains unmatched. Despite its popularity, Austin-Healey couldn’t escape the shifting tides of the automotive industry. By the late 1960s, rising safety and emissions regulations, along with Classic Vintage Rally Healey