Recommended Reading – Healey, the Handsome Brute

When first published back in 1978, Healey, The Handsome Brute was one of the first of a series of hardcover books penned by Chris Harvey that helped jump start the publishing of in-depth automotive books on a specific model. During that most prolific period of his, Harvey’s other popular titles were E-Type, End of an Era; Austin Seven; MG, The Immortal T Series; The Jaguar XK and TR for Triumph. There are several others too, such as Lotus and Porsche 911, and each book today is highly sought after by collectors and car owners alike.

In The Handsome Brute, the focus is on the Big Healey models, such as the 100 and 3000 series. From racing and rallying to restoration and the concours scene, Harvey covered every aspect of the Big Healey’s existence that had been known up to that point in time.

Within its 240 pages you’ll discover chapter-specific information about the four-cylinder 100 models and the six-cylinder 3000s, plus some fairly in-depth information about the competition 100S and other Healey specials. Two chapters focus on the cars’ “Strengths and Weaknesses,” while others reveal all the major problems that are common to the Healey due to its unique unitized body structure.

The chapters on competition mainly focus on the Big Healey’s success in rallying, with numerous photographs showing the many factory modifications that were made to the cars in order to compete successfully. Another chapter details the interchangeability of spare parts, as well as common modifications that Healey owners make to their cars. Other insightful information includes how Big Healeys are restored and prepared for concours, the American scene, comparisons with other sports cars of its era, and, of course, period road tests reports.

Although he passed away years ago, Harvey’s writing styling was easy to read, all the while being very entertaining and informative. Thanks to rather large production runs, finding copies of The Handsome Brute as well as any other Harvey-penned book is relatively easy. Healey fans shouldn’t have to pay more than $20 to $25 for a used copy in good condition, with some Internet book sellers charging only $10 for a copy. Regardless what you’ll pay for a copy, this is one of those rare automotive books that you will truly enjoy reading for years to come.

from Hemmings Daily - News for the collector car enthusiast http://ift.tt/1hujSBx

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