Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 28th July from 1pm
Auction 29th July, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: RUR 427Chassis No: BN1/ 153844MOT: Exempt
1 of only 1, 030 or so BN1 cars built to right-hand drive specification
Supplied new via H. A. Saunders Ltd of Finchley and current registered keeper since 1983
Treated to an extensive, photographically documented restoration by H. Tindale (Motors) Ltd during 1993
Recently fettled with attention to its fuel, brake and cooling systems plus a thorough service
Among the best-looking British sports cars ever made, the ‘Healey Hundred’ (so called because of its ability to crack the magic ton) debuted in prototype guise at the 1952 London Motor Show. Penned by Gerry Coker, the Tickford-built Roadster featured a box-section chassis, independent front suspension, ‘live’ rear axle, four-wheel drum brakes and Austin A90 Atlantic running gear. One of numerous show goers to have his jaw dropped, Austin’s Managing Director Leonard Lord soon convinced Donald Healey that a joint venture between their two companies was the best way to realise the Hundred’s obvious sales potential. The early examples (codenamed ‘BN1’) allied the A90’s 2660cc OHV four-cylinder engine to a modified three-speed manual transmission with overdrive operating on the top two ratios. A 1953 BN1 tested by Motor magazine hit 106mph and achieved 0-60mph in 11. 2 seconds. A total of 10, 688 BN1s are believed to have been produced between 1953 and 1955 (the vast majority of which went overseas) with only c. 1, 030 believed to be in right-hand drive form before the model was superseded by the BN2.
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis BN1/ 153844 was completed on 24th April 1954 with engine 1B/ 207054 and body 2497. Finished in Healey Blue metallic with Blue upholstery, the two-seater was supplied new via H. A. Saunders Ltd of Finchley. A letter on file from marque authority and author John Wheatley to the current registered keeper dated 20th December 1983 notes that: ‘I first came across your car when it was advertised for sale in 1978 in the pages of Classic Car magazine. A chap in Stafford was selling it after many years of ownership’. Entrusted to H. Tindale (Motors) Ltd of Oldham during 1993 for an extensive, photographically documented restoration, the 100 was refinished in its factory colours. Thought to have covered a mere 500 miles or so since its refurbishment was completed, ‘RUR 427’ spent many years in dry storage alongside two other ‘Big Healeys’. Recommissioned during the vendor’s tenure with attention paid to its fuel, brake and cooling systems plus a thorough service, the two-seater started readily and ran well during our recent photography session. Deemed by the seller to be ‘a lovely drive’, this rare, ‘matching numbers’, home market BN1 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
