1954 | Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1)

The Austin Healey 100 was built between 1953 and 1956. It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's small car company. Healey built a single 'Healey Hundred' for the 1952 London Motor Show and the design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin, so much that a deal was struck with Healey to build it in quantity at Austin's Longbridge factory. The car was re-named the Austin Healey 100. The first 100's (series 'BN1') were equipped with the same 90bhp engines and manual transmission as the Austin A90 but the gearbox was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. The BN2 came with a real four speed manual transmission, still with overdrive on the top two gears. Features which distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint. In 1955, a 100M model was developed as well, with larger carburettors, a cold air box to increase air flow to the carburettors, high-lift camshaft and 8.1:1 compression pistons. It produced 110bhp at 4500rpm.

This beautifully presented original UK right hand drive 100/4 has been privately owned and cherished since 2004. Presented in light blue metallic over dark blue trim with chrome wire wheels it has, of late, led a pampered life and only been driven in the dry and housed in a dehumidified garage when not in use. Purchased shortly after a full restoration which was detailed to include chassis and bodywork and been fully refurbished with a down to bare metal preparation preceding a repainting in blue, all new trimmed interior, electrical equipment and instruments were rebuilt too, as was the 2.6 four with unleaded fuel friendly gas-flowed cylinder head and the three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Since this restoration and in our vendors tenure a paltry 5,000 miles has been covered while serviced by a Healey specialist or Bell &Colvill garage in Surrey. In stunning condition throughout, supplied with its Heritage Certificate and history file, V5 registration document, this restored and desirable 100/4 with overdrive, from a collector that knows how to care for his stable is a car aching to be driven. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1954
Make: Austin Healey
Model: 100/4
Registration: VAS 615
Chassis No: BN1219065
Odometer: 5,000


* Genuine UK right hand drive 100/4

* Fully restored example