Description
The Austin-Healey 100/ 4 BN1 was born in the early 1950s, at a time when the British car industry was seeking to establish itself on the American market by offering stylish, high-performance and affordable sports cars. Donald Healey, an engineer and racing driver with a passion for fast, well-designed cars, came up with the idea of creating a car capable of reaching 100 miles per hour, or around 160 kph. In October 1952, at the Earl's Court Motor Show in London, Healey unveiled his prototype. It was an immediate success. Leonard Lord, then head of Austin, was won over by the car. He proposed a partnership that led to the creation of the Austin-Healey brand. Less than a year later, in 1953, the car went into production as the Austin-Healey 100/ 4 BN1, powered by a 2. 6-litre in-line four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Austin A90 Atlantic. It developed around 90 bhp, giving the car impressive performance for its time, with a top speed approaching 170 km/ h. The BN1 is equipped with a three-speed manual gearbox, with electric overdrive on the last two gears to enhance driving pleasure at high speeds. Its low chassis, sleek silhouette, long bonnet and folding windscreen give it a typically sporty appearance. The 100/ 4's success was particularly marked in the United States, where its British styling and relatively affordable price appealed. Of the approximately 10, 000 cars produced between 1953 and 1955, the vast majority crossed the Atlantic to satisfy American customers who were keen on European roadsters. 1955 saw the BN1 replaced by the BN2, a modest evolution with a four-speed gearbox and a few technical improvements. There was also a 'Le Mans' version, equipped with a performance kit inspired by racing models, because the Austin-Healey 100/ 4 was not just fast and beautiful: it also excelled in racing. It takes part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia and other famous rallies. Production of the 100/ 4 model ended in 1956, replaced by the 100/ 6 with its six-cylinder engine. But the BN1 remains, in the history of motoring, the symbol of the successful alliance between Donald Healey's ingenious craftsmanship and Austin's industrial power. Today, the Austin-Healey 100/ 4 BN1 is still considered an essential classic. It embodies the raw, pure charm of the first post-war roadsters, and continues to inspire collectors the world over. This first-generation example was delivered new and registered in the Netherlands in July 1955. Its original colour was black with a red interior, as confirmed by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. The car remained in Holland until 2008 and still bore its original registration! It was then imported to Belgium by its last owner, and underwent two restorations: a total restoration from the chassis up by a specialist Dutch workshop between 1993 and 1994, followed by a thorough refresh in 2009. The absence of bumpers, the louvred bonnet and the additional headlights give it a sporty look in keeping with the style of the time.
Handling has been greatly improved by the fitting of telescopic front shock absorbers, and the engine has been rebuilt and fitted with an aluminium cylinder head and an additional electric fan for optimum cooling. The car drives admirably well, the chassis is perfectly sound and this Healey has benefited from meticulous maintenance in recent years. It is fitted with a soft top, side screens and a tonneau cover. A file of invoices also accompanies the vehicle.
