Highlights

One of only 500 original UK-market RHD BN1s
Factory correct Healey Blue with dark blue leather combination
Older quality 1990s restoration then dry stored for 22 years
Recommissioned in 2025 with long list of renovation work
Few keepers with previous keeper for over 40 years
Very well presented early Healey Hundred with documented history

The Appeal

Later Big Healeys had bigger engines and more power, but purists still gravitate to the original BN1. And with good reason - with lighter front ends, they’re more nimble, the engine sits further back so they’re better balanced and Garry Coker’s lines are uncluttered by the door handles, grilles and bonnet scoop added to later models.

The ‘Healey Hundred’ was built to fuel Britain’s ‘export or die’ drive, so very few were sold into the home market. Just 1,030 were built at Longbridge in RHD, of which only around 500 stayed in the UK. Chassis BN1/153844 was supplied new through H. A. Saunders Ltd of Finchley in April 1954, finished in Healey Blue metallic with Blue upholstery. It has had just a handful of registered keepers before passing to its previous keeper in 1983 — a tenure of over 40 years. A letter on file from marque authority and author John Wheatley, dated December 1983, traces the car's earlier history. In 1993, H. Tindale Motors of Oldham was commissioned to restore the car, refinishing it in its factory colours as confirmed by a BMIHT certificate. The car's history file includes a photographic record of the work.

After over 20 years in dry storage, the car was recommissioned in 2025. Work covered the fuel, braking, cooling and exhaust systems, all supported by receipts. The carpets and boot Armacord have been renewed. Accompanied by a V5C, Heritage Certificate and a substantial history file stretching back over four decades, this is a rare home-market BN1 worthy of close consideration.

The vendor says:

“I have a lot of records and receipts for the car, including MoT certificates going back to 1983 when the mileage was showing 65,222, so although I can't guarantee it I think the current mileage is correct. The car is what I believe to be a rare, low-owner, original UK 100/4 BN/1 with matching numbers. We have the Heritage Certificate.”

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Key Information

Mileage: 68,953 miles indicated (supported by MOT history dating back to 1983)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 2,660cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual with overdrive
Paperwork: V5C, Heritage Certificate, MOT certificates from 1983, restoration photographs, receipts for recommissioning work, letter from marque authority John Wheatley, BMIHT certificate

2025 recommissioning summary:

New aluminium fuel tank
Fuel pump
Brakes overhauled
Brake master cylinder
Wheel cylinders
Brake lines
Water pump
Radiator
Coolant hoses
Full carburettor rebuild
Stainless exhaust
Carpets replaced
Armacord in boot area

The vendor says:

“Sold new by H A Saunders of Finchley on the 24th April 1954. Last owner from 1983. V5 shows 3 previous owners: a Mr Emberton from Stafford as the first; then Mr Batten from Manchester, who purchased the car in 1978; and in 1981 it passed to Mr Farrall from Chester, who kept the car for only 2 years before it passed to Mr Webb in 1883. Body restored and repainted back in 1993 by H Tindale Motors of Oldham. The car was dry stored from 2003 until around a year ago.”

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The Detail

Body restored and repainted in factory colours in 1993 by H. Tindale Motors
Recently recommissioned with long list of work detailed above
Very well presented car in original factory colour scheme
Bodywork presents well with straight lines and consistent panel gaps
Paint shows some age-related chips including front panel near the bonnet
Front wings believed to have been replaced during the 1993 restoration (all steel)
One outrigger replaced during restoration
Smart dark blue interior with matching seats, carpets and dashboard
Vendor states the leather seats are soft and not dried out
Soft top and frame reported in good condition, with side screens and full tonneau
All gauges reported to be working
We are told that the engine has good oil pressure and runs cool
Gearbox reported to function well with no crunching; clutch described as good
Overdrive noted as occasionally temperamental, possibly due to lack of use
The vendor describes brakes and steering as working well
Dry stored from 2003 until approximately 2025

The vendor says:

“Mechanically the car is super sound, great oil pressure, engine stays cool even on our last hot spell. Gears all work as they should with no crunching, clutch is good, overdrive can sometimes be a bit temperamental probably with lack of use, brakes, steering etc all excellent.”

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BEFORE YOU BUY

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