Highlights

Early production matching numbers Healey 100 BN1
Underwent a full nut and bolt restoration in the US to a very high standard
Further recent tuning and tweaking by UK MG/Austin Healey specialist
Outstanding condition throughout
£20k-worth of Dennis Welch engine upgrades
Uprated to ‘Le Mans’ spec
Later BN2 four-speed overdrive gearbox
All parts available to convert to right hand-drive
New hood and side screens

The Appeal

It’s hard to believe that this intuitively aerodynamic shape is now 70 years old. Has it ever been bettered? Despite its understated elegance and design purity, this early production Healey 100 BN1 (built 1953, registered 1954) has a few tricks up its sleeve.

For a start it has been uprated to ‘Le Mans plus Specification’ So sports the bigger period carbs and the special alloy air box, plus many expensive engine upgrades.

The car was repatriated to the UK from the US by a well-established classic car restorer, initially intending to keep the car for himself. Stateside, the Healey had undergone a full – and very high-quality – nut and bolt restoration. It was also treated to considerable engine and mechanical upgrades courtesy mainly of Dennis Welch (some £20k-worth).

These extend way beyond the usual ‘hot’ cam, through forged engine parts to a specially coated tubular exhaust manifold which help dissipate heat. Someone was very serious about this car. The suspension was also rebuilt.

Once back in the UK, the car was further fettled, and some persisting niggles (brakes) sorted. The restorer also intended to convert the car back to right hand drive, but hasn’t managed to get round to it. He has the parts available.

In its current spec, its 140mph ‘Le Mans’ speedometer suddenly seems more plausible.

The History and Paperwork

Full restoration and repaint in USA
Full recent brake refurbishment with established UK restorer
Recent full service and engine tune
Much documentation lost by couriers

The Healey was restored in the US before being bought (Stateside) by the present UK owner, himself a well-respected MG and Healey specialist. He of course met and talked with the US owner who had had the work carried out.

As well as viewing the car, he was also able to read and inspect its comprehensive sheaf of invoices, as well as see a photographic record of the work done. (Unfortunately, much of the car’s documentation and restoration record was lost in transit by the shipping company.)

With the Healey back in the UK, the new owner has sorted out a few niggles. These included replacing all the hydraulic wheel cylinders as well as the brake master cylinder. He also undertook a twin 12-volt battery conversion. This supplies more cranking amps and give much better starting on even the coldest of days . Finally, the Healey has undergone a thorough service and an engine tune and been shod with a set of new (Continental) tyres.

The photographs of the underside of the car and of the engine semi dismantled go a long way to instilling confidence in the quality of the original upgrades and restoration.

The Interior

Full interior retrim
Rare adjustable steering column
Matching blue (piped white) leather interior in beautiful condition
New Wilton carpets
Gentle patina of instruments and steering wheel keep an understated tone

Although fully restored – and to a very high standard – the Healey’s interior manages to retain an authentic, low-key look. The blue leather bucket seats complement the bodywork perfectly, with clean and straight white piping that defines their edges nicely.

The diminutive instrument binnacle carries a dull sheen, while the chrome instrument surrounds carry a good shine without being overly bright. The numbers and needles of the Smiths dials are smart and clean, with the instruments themselves sitting neatly in their mountings.

The steering column is of the rare adjustable type and the steering wheel itself carries a gentle patina – and doesn’t look over-restored. All its spokes are straight and clean.

The rudimentary door cards are tidy, firmly fixed in place and neatly trimmed, and show no signs of wear. The dark blue carpets are new, being well fitted to the cabin and very clean.

The Exterior

Bodywork refurbished and resprayed to a very high standard
All panels straight
Excellent chrome
Shut lines are narrow and even
‘Le Mans’ headlights are a nice detail
Fitted with alloy rad and fuel tank

The Healey has been repainted in a very authentic light metallic blue. The car is the property of a MG and Austin Healey restorer of some 45-years’ experience and has been finished to the highest standards. The finish is consistent across all panels and the paintwork retains a deep gloss over the whole car.

There is a small scratch in front of the windscreen on the driver’s sideand a couple of very small scuffs, but no signs of corrosion or bubbling. Panel gaps are narrow and consistent, with bonnet, boot lid and doors all fitting snuggly.

The brightwork complements the body perfectly. It has been carefully rechromed, maintaining all details and textures, while retaining a deep (and not too brash) shine. There is no pitting or discolouration. By way of a subtle contrast, the polished steel parts sport a quiet lustre.

The Mechanics

Engine entirely refurbished and uprated with Dennis Welsh performance parts
Full ‘Le Mans’ upgrade kit, including bigger carbs, air box and alloy fuel tank
Alternator conversion
High torque starter motor and twin batteries
Fitted with more desirable BN2 four-speed overdrive gearbox
Uprated radiator and bigger cooling fan
Full suspension and brake rebuild
New wire wheels and Continental tyres
Virtually as new (or better) underneath

It’s hard to overstress the quality of this car’s rebuilt and attendant upgrades. It’s only by seeing the pictures with the rocker covers and the sump off that you realise the condition – and cleanness – of the engine, and the quality of the performance parts that have gone into it.

Parts upgraded and fitted include; steel crank, steel rods, forged pistons, uprated oil pump, harmonic front damper, alloy sump, alloy high performance cylinder head fitted with (very expensive) roller rocker gear, modified timing cover with oil seal, lightened balanced flywheel and clutch assembly, fast road cam, tubular exhaust manifolds that have been specially coated to keep the heat down. The cost of all the upgrades easily runs beyond £20,000. The car is also fitted with the more robust BN2 overdrive four-speed gearbox.

Note too that all the car’s (correct) numbers – body, engine and chassis – are clearly displayed.

The underside of the car also looks to be virtually as new – or maybe better – with sturdy chassis members, strong welds, even paint and no signs of corrosion. It’s when you look into the nooks and crannies – such as around the twin batteries (remember the Healey has a high-torque starter motor) – that you realise the car is still clean where you can’t see.

Suspension and drivetrain look to be in top condition, and the running gear is finished off perfectly with new chrome-plated wire wheels and new Continental tyres.

Summary

Such a quintessentially English sports car, the Healey 100 often lives in the shadow of its brawnier brother, the 3000. But it’s hard to see this one suffering that fate. Beautifully restored and expertly upgraded, it remains in first class condition and a pretty high state of tune… yet looks so ‘ordinary’. Many will find that a virtue in itself.

If you are one of those people, you will likely be able to buy this car for far less than if you had had it restored and modified yourself. What’s more, it’s ready to go…now.

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