[Healeys] Young Healey Owners

[Rich C]

One major factor that will help Austin Healeys to remain desirable well into 
the future is the fact that, at least performance wise, you can drive them 
in today's traffic. They have the speed to at least keep up with the other 
traffic on the highways, they have the stopping ability too. Those factors 
allow the owner to use the car with reasonable confidence.

I think that's a major factor that has certainly caused prewar cars like 
Ford Model A's and even the postwar T series MG's to slide somewhat in the 
market place. They simply can't keep up with the highway traffic, nor can 
they get stopped in a panic situation if need be.

The AHCA's Future 50 programme is cartainly a start, and you have to start 
somewhere. However, thus far it's primarily aimed at the kids under 12 that 
are accompanying their parents to the AHCA Conclave each year. If these kids 
see the Healey as a cool, desireable item, maybe when the time comes, and 
it's up to them, they'll want to keep the car in the family.

It's a simple economic fact that the big Healey is generally far out of 
financial reach for most younger people under 30 unless they inherit the 
car. That's where the basic desireability cuts in. Does he/she want to keep 
it, or do they simply see $$$$ sitting there that can be used for something 
else.

Rich Chrysler