1955 Austin Healey 100 BN1 with Denis Welch Specification
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1955 Austin Healey 100 BN1 with Denis Welch Specification
Highlights
Extensively maintained and modified by renown Austin-Healey specialists Denis Welch
Engine modified to ‘above M specification’ and ready to be driven to its fullest
Original UK RHD Example
Dry stored and well cared for
High level older restoration and very well looked after since
Mechanically sound and well-running vehicle
The Appeal
The Austin-Healey 100 was unveiled in 1953 and produced through 1956. Together with the 100’s replacement, the Austin-Healey 100-6 and its successor the 3000, these three cars belong to the enthusiast-coined group commonly referred to as the “Big Healeys,” being larger than the AH Sprite. The 100, the first of the Big Healeys, was developed by Donal Healey, whose small Warwick-based Healey Car Company completed a prototype which they showed at the 1952 London Motor Show. As it turned out, the managing director of Austin Motor Company saw Healey’s car on display and was keen to find a replacement to the Austin 90 Atlantic; Healey’s prototype fit the bill, and the rest was history. The car was quickly developed for scaled production and released as the Austin-Healey 100 the following year.
Named the 100 for its ability to hit 100mph, the first Big Healey—the 100’s first generation, called the BN1—was well-equipped with a 90hp 2660cc I4 engine connected to a 3-speed manual gearbox equipped with overdrive on the second and third gears. With a reported top speed of 106mph and a 0-60 time of right above 11 seconds, it was a swift machine in its time. The high performance 100M variant was introduced in 1955, which featured a cold air intake box, larger carburettors, a more aggressive camshaft, and higher compression resulting in a gain of 16hp, putting it right up to 110hp.
This particular BN1 100 is an original UK car, benefiting from a solid history file documenting its upkeep, maintenance, restoration, and modification. Extensively maintained and modified by renown Austin-Healey specialists Denis Welch, the car has been modified to 100M specification and beyond that, providing a solid and trustworthy drivetrain for the occasional rally, track day, or spirited pleasure drive. Ready to run and remaining in exquisite condition, this BN1 isn’t your average Healey. ucaKDhA0rilIJLctPTp5Y9tJ8vjusct3FHZr4ro2.jpg494.2 KB
The History and Paperwork
V5c current
Full restorations completed by previous owners to a very high standard
First registration in UK on 1st March 1955, 4 owners since
MoT and VED exempt but last passed MoT in 2013
Spare set of 5 wheels and tyres, sump guard, and original 3-speed gearbox comes with sale as pictured
Box of spare bits included; bearings, brake pads, piston rings, master cylinder, clamps, etc.
Confirmed via two separate certifications from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, this 100 was built on the 9th of February 1955, sold in the UK market, and was originally Spruce Green with matching green interior and hood. Since then, the history file shows it has been partially restored twice, once around 1988 and once again around 2002-2006, with a fair few invoices showing repairs, upkeep, and full overhaul of both the engine and gearbox. It was also repainted to a lovely red and white, with beige interior during this time.
Currently, it sits with a complementary red and black colourway, with matching black upholstery complete with red piping. The engine and drivetrain have also been modified by the renowned marque specialist Denis Welch, who has pushed this BN1 to above 100M specification. The work carried out includes:
M specification engine
Lightened flywheel
Alloy cylinder head and sump
Derrington manifold
Mallory distributor
High-capacity starter
Narrow V fan belt system
Large core radiator
Multi-blade electric fan
BN2 4-speed overdrive gearbox with a high ratio final drive providing cruising speed of 80mph at 3000rpm
Hydraulic diaphragm clutch
Uprated springs, dampers and roll bar
Alloy sump guard (currently removed—comes with sale)
Avon ZZ tyres.
Additionally, Northern Healey have overhauled the gearbox and restored the front section of the chassis. More recently, the current owner has used the vehicle for pleasure and has cared for it correctly, dry storing the vehicle when not in use, and in 2022 providing it with a “commissioning service” courtesy of Kestrel Classic Cars in Worcs after a period of storage. The vehicle has seen historic rallies in the past, has been to Goodwood (with window decal still present) and has most recently been to Shelsey Walsh for a hill climb. As the vehicle sits now, it is in very good visual condition with no seen signs of corrosion or rust, and it’s notably ready to stretch its legs…I9QJVfgHJ9o09nxSIqgYq1femlFACm53pNrUh6Ta.jpg788.92 KB
The Interior
Black and red interior, perfectly suits exterior colours
Overall condition is near perfect
All electronics functioning as they should
The black and red coloured interior perfectly suits the paint job and chrome. The interior is in overall nearly new condition. It’s very clear that the vehicle has been dry stored and was cared for during its restoration and afterwards, as the soft bits are in excellent standing and show no signs of sun-fading or neglect.
The interior and dashboard are simple and very functional, clearly to-the-point and with usability and practicality in mind. Everything is placed within easy reach, all of the dials are easy to read, and it all feels solid and robust. The wood accented steering wheel with beautiful red Austin-Healey logo detail on the horn button matches gracefully with the red dashboard, upholstery, and car colour. There is a rally-style trip counter and compass on the dash, perfect for regularity rallies if you’re keen on competing in historical jogs. The owner states the electronics are all in working order.
The seats, carpet, and centre console all sport the same black vinyl with red piping paint scheme, and are all in truly great shape. There is, notably, some wear seen on the driver’s seat side bolster as pictured, but it doesn’t at all detract from the overall stunning condition of the interior.
The boot is clean and tidy, with all elements looking as new. The vehicle comes with a full-size spare tyre in the boot, as well as a jack and wheel-nut mallet. Just to note, 5 spare tyres come with the sale, in addition to the one in the boot. We also noticed there’s a small crease in the boot lid, easily done with an accidental push to close the boot before releasing the lid catch; we’ve seen this before with this style of boot catch.
The Healey also sports an easy-to-use pack-away style soft-top, which is still in near perfect condition on the inside and out. It also comes along with removable side windows, both in great shape with no signs of sun fading or other damage. There’s also a fitted tonneau cover when the soft top wants to stay down in storage. Other notable factory interior extras include a laminated windscreen and a heater as stated on the heritage certificate.
Bold red and black paintwork – perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle shape and racing spirit
Convertible top in excellent condition
The outside of the BN1 is just as good as the inside. The stunning bright red paint and sparkling chrome-work really reinforce the nature of a true roadster; it’s built to cruise, but it means business.
Paint and bodywork is all in order, other than the small crease in the boot lid as already mentioned. The chrome brightwork is shining like new everywhere you look. The silver trim piping is exact, straight and in great condition. The divide between the red and black paintwork is crisp and distinct, certainly painted by the hands of a professional.
The vehicle’s side window vinyl, soft-top window, and windscreen glass is in excellent condition, with only normal spots as to be expected, which do not detract from the overall appearance. Headlights, taillights, and side lights are all in above average condition and show no signs of fading or hazing.
The convertible top exterior is also in near perfect condition, with only very minor use-related marks, but no tears or holes evident. The rear plastic window on the top is not faded or sun damaged, and is easy to see through when driving. The connecting buttons, convertible mechanics, and overall operation of the top all perform flawlessly and with ease.
The spoked wheels are in great visual condition, with no signs of curb rash or damage. All four Avon ZZ tyres are matching and there is plenty of tread remaining.
The vehicle’s underside is in as good of condition as you could expect from an old-timer that has actually seen the road and track. With only some very minor surface corrosion seen on some of the suspension arms, we saw absolutely nothing else to remark on; the Healey is clean underneath with no signs of any concern. There’s also an alloy sump guard and bash plate that protects the underside which comes with the sale; that will be useful if you plan to run this in any historic rallies.tyx6jveI0yqFPUNpJcyLdVkDw3tya5b70dWDgaHm.jpg641.67 KB
The Mechanics
2660 cc 4-cylinder engine, exhaust provides hearty and satisfying grunt
4-Speed transmission with overdrive (spare 3-speed box included)
Owner states it runs perfectly and shifts smoothly
The engine bay shows very little signs of use. It has been cared for since the modifications, and as such is said to be in an absolutely ready and reliable state. Also to note, the air intake bares the metal crest stating, “this car has been fitted with a ‘Le Mans’ modification kit.” These kits could be ordered direct from BMC (Austin Motor Company was a division of BMC) and installed on BN1 and BN2 cars to bring them up closer to the power level of the 100M. It’s worth mentioning that this car has been modified past just this kit, as noted above.
The Transmission is a BN2 unit with 4 gears plus overdrive. It’s said to shift smoothly and provides an 80mph cruising speed at right around 3000rpm.
Suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected. The suspension is said to have been fitted with a bit harder spring rates than from factory, to improve response, and has supporting uprated dampeners and rollbar. The car runs straight and does exactly what it’s told. There are no unexpected quirks to quarrel with and the ride reinforces its sports roots.
This BN1 is ready to be driven; it’s in great shape and ready to take on whatever you can throw at it with the supporting modifications and updates as presented. What could be better than feeling the exhilaration and sense of freedom that only a chromed-up convertible classic can provide? When this thing fired up for us to get it into position for the photo shoot, we couldn’t help but grin; the aggressive exhaust note from the notably large 2.6L 4-cylinder was a true sign that it was going to be a bit different than the other BN1s we’ve seen in the past.
There’s some true grunt there, and it’s backed up with an excellent black and red colourway to let you know it’s a serious contender. Being completely ready to roll, this is a great chance to pick up a fully restored and tastefully modified sports cruiser and fine example of an original UK market Big Healey.
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