Built for only two years from 1953 to 1955, the first iteration of the Austin Healey, the 100/4 BN1 caused a sensation when it debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show. Featuring beautiful flowing bodywork and an adjustable lay-down wind screen, gave the low Roadster a particularly sporty profile. Fitted with a large, torquey 2,660cc four-cylinder engine, the light and streamlined Healey 100 was a genuine 100mph-plus car. So successful was the Austin Healey that its production continued in various guises all the way until 1972, the early BN1’s like the car offered here today becoming the most collectable.
This is a stunning example of such a highly sought after and collectable first iteration of the Austin Healey; a 100/4 BN1, and has a charm and presence that you need to see in person to really appreciate. Remaining with one custodian for 28 years, it is clear he has loved and cherished the car over the last three decades. The car has never once broken down in all the time he had owned it and it drives flawlessly. The engine sounds beautiful while at the same time being spritely with lots of engine torque.
In 2007 the car was totally restored by a reputable Jaguar specialist in Troon, Ayrshire; and there are over 100 detailed photographs of the restoration! The car has only covered 3-400 dry weather miles on average each year and has otherwise been kept in a clean dry garage.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Impeccable history file
V5 with only two previous keepers
Numerous MOTs and invoices dating back three decades
Over 100 restoration photos
Old Tax discs
The comprehensive history file, which dates to back 1995, comprises of numerous old invoices, receipts, and MOT certificates as well as the aforementioned 100+ photos of its high-quality restoration, attesting to the craftsmanship and care that went into restoring this wonderful car.
THE INTERIOR
Highly original period interior
Fully restored in 2007
As you will see from the photographs, overall, the interior is in beautiful condition. The leather seats have no noticeable damage and look stunning. The carpets are in excellent condition, complimented by rubber floor mats for added protection.
The all-metal dashboard looks stunning with all its original gauges and clocks clearly visible and working as they should. The boot is spotless and under the carpet you will notice in the photographs a clean and tidy fuel tank.
THE EXTERIOR
Stunning blue over white coachwork
Only minor age-related marks
The two-tone paintwork looks absolutely stunning! When restored back in 2007 the car had a high end respray in its original colour and it certainly brings it all together. The body is in fantastic condition all round.
The doors and side panels are in great condition with no dents or dings present. The wire wheels and tyres are in excellent condition.
The car comes with full weather equipment, from a tonneau cover and side screens to its practical folding roof that is in very good condition as it was renewed when the car was restored. The underside is commensurate to the rest of the car: solid, honest, and wanting for nothing.
THE MECHANICS
Powered by a 2.6L I4 powerplant
Upgraded with a BN2 4-speed gearbox with overdrive
Upgraded with a 12-volt battery and wiring loom
Serviced by the same specialist for 28 years
The 2.6 litre engine sounds superb and we are informed has never ever failed to start during the last three decades. Assisted by a cooling fan, the engine does not run hot even on hot summer days.
These 100/4’s originally came fitted with a 6 volt battery and as these can be hard to come by (and costly), during the restoration the car was sensibly upgraded to a 12 volt wiring loom and power system that meets the required specification.
Another tasteful upgrade definitely worth noting is that the gearbox was also swapped out from a BN1 three-speed to a BN2 four-speed gearbox with overdrive; which is essentially five speed and allows the car to drive comfortably at motorway speeds. In fact, the vendor informs us that he has to consciously keep an eye on the speedo to not break the 70mph speed limit on motorways!
Mechanically speaking this car will be very difficult to fault as it has been looked after by the same specialist for 28 years, who knew the car intimately and meticulously looked after its every need.
SUMMARY
This 68-year-old Austin Healey 100 is a fantastic genuine car that will not disappoint! A 1950’s sports car not only to be enjoyed, but also a sound investment as good ones like this that have been lovingly restored and cherished over so many years by a single custodian are hard to come by!
SELLER’S TESTIMONIAL
"This car has been a joy to own and is a truly regretful sale, only forced by an impending house move. The phrase ‘head turner’ can often be bandied about but in this case I have never known a car to garner more appreciative looks and waves from passers-by. It never failed to put a smile on my face and increasingly I would make excuses as to why I needed to pop out to get something. This is a driver’s car and I envy the enjoyment that the next custodian has in store."
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