1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 – Auction Car of the Week
June 11, 2023
Last month we featured an Austin-Healey 100/4 as our weekly Project Profile that was a little, how should we say, down at heel. Despite the somewhat aggressive patina and lack of interior the inherent beauty of the car still shone through, testament to Donald Healey’s original design. The car still managed to sell for over £25,000 via our auctions platform, validation that there was still value, potential and promise in the iconic British roadster, regardless of condition. Today we want to show you a 100/4 that’s on the opposite end of the spectrum though. One that has been lovingly restored and meticulously maintained.
Built for just three years between 1953 and ’56 the Austin-Healey 100 was the first of the ‘Big Healeys’; a group that encompassed the original 100/4, the 100/6 and the 3000, so named in comparison to the diminutive Austin-Healey Sprite that came out a couple of years later. Devised and developed from the vision of one man, Donald Healey, the 100/4 – named for its ability to top 100mph from the 90bhp, 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet – was built with a little help from the Austin Motor Company. Healey had unveiled his prototype 100 (based on Austin A90 Atlantic underpinnings) at the 1952 London Motor Show where Leonard Lord of Austin saw the car’s potential and promptly brokered a deal with Healey to begin producing the sports car. A car that has gone on to become one of the most revered and sought-after classic British roadsters.
Looking at the listing of this 1955 BN1 100/4 it’s plain to see what all the fuss is about. Those beautifully flowing lines (reminiscent of its compatriot of the time, the AC Ace) remain a huge part of what makes these cars so desirable and the two-tone blue over white coachwork is simply stunning. Extensively restored (and comprehensively photographically documented) in 2007 to the tune of £23,000 the car presents exceptionally, even though it’s been a whole 16 years since. The reason? The sheer amount of love, care and attention lavished upon it by one conscientious owner who has been custodian of the car for 28 years. Not only that but the car has only covered a mere 400 miles since the restoration which was carried out by a reputable Jaguar specialist north of the border.
We’ve been up close and personal with the car, as have those of you that made it out to our latest Auto-Social event at Hangar 136 at Bicester Heritage, as it was parked proudly in front of the Car & Classic gazebo all morning and we can attest to the quality of the restoration work as well as the fantastic overall condition of the car. With the roof down there isn’t a lot out there that compares but should the weather turn inclement this 100/4 comes complete with full weather equipment, including a tonneau cover and side screens, as well as a folding roof that was renewed as part of the restoration. You’ll want to keep that original interior clean and dry too because its condition is commensurate with the rest of the car, being included as it was as part of the Healey’s restoration.
Whatever perceived shortcomings the BN1 cars may have suffered from have been addressed with this particular 100/4 by the previous owner (see, we told you they were a good egg). The original three-speed manual gearbox has been upgraded with a later BN2 model 4-speed gearbox with overdrive and the electrics have also been upgraded with a 12-volt battery and wiring loom making the car a much more useable and drive-able prospect. Mechanically sound the previous owner claims that the car has never broken down, never failed to start or had any issues whatsoever. It sounds pretty sublime too and the 2.6-litre four pot on song is a delight.
The icing on the cake? This Austin-Healey 100/4 is listed with no reserve so head over to the listing to red the full description and marvel at the 125 plus high quality photos before chucking in your bid to be in with the chance of scooping a potential bargain. Up for sale due to a house move this tastefully and usefully upgraded example is an absolute gem. Yes it represents a shrewd investment but it also needs to be driven and enjoyed, so what are you waiting for? Christmas?
