Our History

1993

Steve Norton has owned Austin Healeys since the mid 1980's and recognised several areas where service to owners could be improved. Stocking rare second hand items and developing tuning parts specifically to upgrade 'road' cars are key to the launch of 'The Midland Austin Healey Centre'.

1994

First illustrated catalogue issued followed later in the year by «New Products' bulletin proving that Cape have been innovating from the start!

1995

Fully computerised parts indexing system installed to keep up with expanding inventory, improvements to premises at Corley include new sales offices and 5000 ft2 mezzanine floor due to the ever increasing demand for quality new parts.

1996

Official launch of workshop facilities.

Some cars have already been restored but only by personal request of parts customers already convinced of company's service and committment to quality.

Initial restoration of a stunning Mk II BT7 which collects runners up award at International Healey Weekend in modified class and has since received full CapeSport modifications.

1997

Mark Sallis joins Midland Healy Centre bringing almost a decade of automotive parts experience with him, Mark soon implements systems to streamline purchasing, essential when dealing with 450+ suppliers!

1998

Still hard at work!

1999

Name changes to Cape International to reflect links with the famous birthplace of the marque in Warwick but also reinforces companies position as worldwide supplier of parts and services to 40 countries around the globe!

First edition of Cape Collection catalogue printed and posted completely free of charge to every customer!

2000

Steve pledges Cape's full support and commitment to the Austin Healey marques 50th anniversary (AH50) and joins AH Club's organising team to assist event planning especially marketting and sponsorship.

2001

Work continues on CapeSport 3000 ready for launch at AH50.

Cape launches 'CapeWorks' news bulletins posted free to all customers, a format which is now widely copied by our competitors!

2002

CapeSport 3000 featured on front cover of Classic Cars and receives rave revues following their in depth road test.

AH50 - Golden Anniversary Celebrations - Cape International is one of the principle exhibitors with the largest displays including a «real' 100S during restoration and of course the CapeSport 3000 which is sold just prior to the event!

Crammed with new products and innovative ideas the 2nd edition of Cape Collection Catalogue is printed to coincide with AH50.

2003

Cape's 10th Birthday - How time fly's when you're having fun!

CapeSport 3000 delivered to new owner who is completely thrilled.

Cape International's product development programme focuses on 100S parts in advance of demand anticipated from CapeSport 100. Products being developed include 100 and 100S front and rear wings, slotted seats, AH aeroscreens, perspex windscreen and replica steering wheels just to name a few.

2004

Work starts in ernest on the CapeSport 100. Cape have always supported the earlier models and this is a natural progression of this committment.

Visually our car will follow the concept of the original 100S and will highlight Cape International's growing range of performance upgrades developed specifically for the BN1 and BN2.

Cape now supplies a full range of wings (fenders) and we are now supplying most of our competitors!

We added some unusual features to our range specifically to make fitting them easier.

2005

One of our most exciting projects to date, AHX 11 is one of the earliest pre-production Austin Healey BN1's in existance and we are currently restoring it!

2006

Our reputation for building special cars is something we are proud of and this year we decided to offer some of our most exciting opportunities to date.

We are currently seeking some special customers for three special projects!

2007

Okay so it can't be history yet but here at Cape we're always planning ahead and there's a few things we hope to announce in 2007 including a new hardtop for the BN1 and BN2, the completion of AHX11 and the ongoing development of this great new website including regular CapeWorks ebulletins - so stay tuned.