Seventy years on from its launch, leading visual animator and artist Stefan Marjoram has recreated the Healey by Caton, an ultra-exclusive reincarnation of the iconic Austin-Healey 100/4 sports car.

Bridging technical visual software with traditional drawing skills, much like Healey by Caton’s ethos of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern-day manufacturing and design technologies, Stefan Marjoram has created an animation showcasing the visual changes of the Healey by Caton.

Stefan has depicted the design of Healey by Caton, penned by leading automotive designer Darryl Scriven, famed for his work in British automotive OEM McLaren and its Special Operations department. The design includes de-seaming the bodywork and adding volume to the rear haunches; in turn, providing the car with a more authoritative stance and utilising modern manufacturing methods to create a more streamlined look. To this end, external hinges have become internal, and the removal of the bumpers and extension of the swooping front valance all add up to provide Healey by Caton with uncompromising road presence and a distinct yet simplified aesthetic, too.

Darryl Scriven commented: “Donald Healey got so much right when he designed the car originally. We wanted to pay homage to the original while making it more comfortable to live with, fun to drive and even more dynamic and beautiful to look at. 

“I haven’t worked with any other company or coachbuilders that can create a car like this, from scratch. A key example is the volume on the bonnet. We subtly re-sculpted, by hand on an English Wheel, to create a smoother line that flows down the front of the car, to replace the flatter bonnet of the original, foundation car.”

Discussing Stefan Marjoram’s artwork, Tim Strafford, CEO of Caton’s strategic vehicle building partner, Envisage Group, said: “Can cars be art? We think so. This new graphic highlights the changes over and above the original Healey 100/4, which is now a 70-year-old design. Caton exists to reinvigorate and reformat existing iconic designs yet staying true to the original. 

Launched globally last month, Caton and its first product, Healey by Caton, offers a bespoke, one-to-one service that no other OEM or custom car manufacturer can provide. Limited to just 25 builds, customers of Healey by Caton become the design consultants of their own automotive icon, with the unique ability to indulge their passion for British precision engineering and luxury OEM quality craftsmanship within the Signature Studios at Caton’s Coventry-based HQ. Although Healey by Caton is its first offering, Caton will not just reincarnate cars. Caton’s ambition is to apply its cutting-edge technology and design expertise to other British icons including, but not limited to, furniture, timepieces and other luxury lifestyle articles. 

Customers are urged to sign up to Caton’s mailing list via www.caton.uk, where a range of events will be announced, and news will be distributed. Caton’s team plans to attend many events – from smaller breakfast clubs to larger, public events in 2022 and beyond, starting in the UK and travelling further afield to global stages from 2023.

The Caton was first seen in the UK at the recent London Salon Prive event. – Read more