Austin

I think of all British sports cars, none has ever been more beloved in North America than the Austin Healey. In total, from 1959 through 1967 more than a million British sports cars were made--less than ten percent of an average one year's U.S. auto production of the period. Of this million about 75,000 "big" Healeys, the Austin Healey 3000 and its precursor the 100, were produced, and nearly 150,000 of the smaller Austin Healey Sprites. Most of the Austin Healey production came to America by demand, where British sports cars were becoming the big thing for those savvy enough to know and well-heeled enough to afford.

"Everything old is new again" has never been more applicable than the spring 2008 introduction of the newest, and perhaps the most intriguing, kit car of the decade. This would be the Californian Mini Moke ("moke," a British slang term for donkey) replica kit exclusively available from Mini Mania, the venerable mini car pioneer resource company in Nevada City, California, 45 minutes west of Sacramento in Northern California's Foothills of the Sierra Nevada. What is a Mini Moke? It is an odd, noisy, bumpy-riding vehicle that could be described as a cross between a jeep and a golf cart--but with heart, history and character that have earned it an almost fanatical cult following that started in the 60's and threads throughout the world today.

The American Revolution notwithstanding, through more than two centuries the British have never loosened their powerful influence on American life, business, finance, psyche, and maybe even our raw genetic memory. In their own low key way, Brits go about controlling a huge amount of US and Canadian real estate, corporate interests, pop culture and entertainment, and keep living their own inimitable version of the good life on both sides of the pond. And while we in the US may not look on with envy, exactly, there's no question that we do look on.  Just like ordinary conversation sounds so much more compelling in a British accent, English automobiles, like the Sebring International collection, have that undeniable charisma that whispers character, an aura of history, and class.

Remember the good old days when bands like Aerosmith could only be heard on those hard-to-find LP records?  Retro fans who remember that will also dream on when they take a look at the Sebring SX, based on the 1960’s Austin Healey.  In this miraculous manifestation, the Sebring engineers have created a beauty that brings back the classic style of the 60’s and combines it with re-mastered technology.  This is the way they bring back those ageless tunes that first epitomized the early British sports car.

The Sebring Owners Club was created for those who have an interest in anystyle of classic motor car. Whether you're considering a build, involved in one, or just want to cruise, you will find help, advice, and plenty of friends. Anyone is welcome to join, just an interest in socializing with like-minded people is enough.