HIGHLIGHTS
- Exceptional Condition
- £23k extensive restoration in 2007
- Photographic record of work done
- Extensive history file
- Current owner has owned it for 28 years
- Full weather equipment
- Starts on the button
THE BACKGROUND
The Austin-Healey 100/4 is a sports car that was built by Austin-Healey from 1953 until 1956.
Based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals, it was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by his small Healey car company in Warwick.
Healey built a single Healey 100 for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed Leonard Lord, managing director of Austin, who was looking for a replacement for the unsuccessful A90.
Body styling was by Gerry Coker, the chassis was designed by Barry Bilbie with longitudinal members and cross bracing producing a comparatively stiff structure upon which to mount the body, innovatively welding the front bulkhead to the frame for additional strength.
In order to keep the overall vehicle height low the rear axle was underslung, the chassis frame passing under the rear axle assembly.
Based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals, it was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by his small Healey car company in Warwick.
Healey built a single Healey 100 for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed Leonard Lord, managing director of Austin, who was looking for a replacement for the unsuccessful A90.
Body styling was by Gerry Coker, the chassis was designed by Barry Bilbie with longitudinal members and cross bracing producing a comparatively stiff structure upon which to mount the body, innovatively welding the front bulkhead to the frame for additional strength.
In order to keep the overall vehicle height low the rear axle was underslung, the chassis frame passing under the rear axle assembly.
THE HISTORY
The present owner bought the car 28 years ago in Kent. This previous owner did not have any history of the vehicle to pass on, nor any paperwork.
When purchased, the car required much work but was basically very sound and, in particular, very reliable.
The present owner used it occasionally on various car rallies and on a few hill climbs.
In 2007 a total refurbishment at a cost of £23k brought it to the condition it is in today.
There are over 100 photos of the restoration. Since 2007 the car has been driven for approx. 700 miles!
When purchased, the car required much work but was basically very sound and, in particular, very reliable.
The present owner used it occasionally on various car rallies and on a few hill climbs.
In 2007 a total refurbishment at a cost of £23k brought it to the condition it is in today.
There are over 100 photos of the restoration. Since 2007 the car has been driven for approx. 700 miles!
THE PAPERWORK
A file of 100+ old invoices, some dating back to 1994, plus old MOTs, tax discs etc come with the car - which requires no MOT, being 25 year exempt
THE INTERIOR
The interior is finished in dark blue and was renewed in 2007 making it as good as original with the hood stowed behind the seats.
It has a tonneau cover and also side windows, which have rarely been used since the re-build.
It has a tonneau cover and also side windows, which have rarely been used since the re-build.
THE EXTERIOR
The paintwork is of the highest standard with no dents, scratches apart from two tiny blisters (paint not broken) on the front nearside wing.
The chrome is in lovely condition.
There are five wire wheels with 4 new tubeless radial tyres.
The chrome is in lovely condition.
There are five wire wheels with 4 new tubeless radial tyres.
THE MECHANICS
The 2660cc engine starts immediately.
Twin SU carbs. Cooling fan fitted. No oil leaks or drips.
Three gears (BN1 gearbox changed to BN2 many years ago) Laycock de Normanville Overdrive in 2nd and 3rd giving in effect, 5 forward gears.
The fuel gauge is somewhat erratic.
Two 6v batteries replaced by one 12v this year.
The same expert vintage specialist has looked after the car for the past 20 years.
Twin SU carbs. Cooling fan fitted. No oil leaks or drips.
Three gears (BN1 gearbox changed to BN2 many years ago) Laycock de Normanville Overdrive in 2nd and 3rd giving in effect, 5 forward gears.
The fuel gauge is somewhat erratic.
Two 6v batteries replaced by one 12v this year.
The same expert vintage specialist has looked after the car for the past 20 years.
THE APPEAL
The iconic Austin Healey 100/4 is a stylish piece of British craftsmanship from a bygone era, but still looks both elegant and sporty.
Simple to maintain - a sound investment - and a delight to drive.
Will sadly be missed by the current owner!
Simple to maintain - a sound investment - and a delight to drive.
Will sadly be missed by the current owner!
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