The original Austin Healey 100 was a revelation. Beautifully styled, capable of over 160 km/h and unlike anything else available on either side of the Atlantic, it was an instant success.
This 1955 BN1 is one of the last to be built, restored and finished in the correct factory colour of Carmine Red and black on black leather. It is otherwise as it left the factory mechanically, with the exception of the gearbox which is a BN2 4-speed unit with overdrive.
Professionally stored away from moisture and used sparingly since being imported to the US in 2016, it is in very good condition inside and out. The fit of the panels and attention to detail is evident from the photographs. A recent mechanical overhaul means it will be delivered to the new buyer in perfect running order, while an FFVE certificate and BMIHT are indications of excellent provenance.
History and documents
Factory-built in May 1955
Sold in the USA as an LHD car with the correct chassis number prefixed with an L
BMIHT certificate confirms that the current colour scheme is that of the factory
FFVE certificate dated August 2018
Reported to have been imported from the USA in 2016
Acquired by current owner on 12 June 2018
Professionally stored away from damp in France since acquisition
Independent inspection report dated 27 December 2018 included in file
Certificate of registration dated June 2021
The seller indicates that he is the second owner
Invoice dated June 2022 for 141,000 km work summarised below
Currently 142,000 km
Reported as exempt from technical inspection in France
We are told there is no service book
Chassis number BN1L225761
The last BN1 had chassis number 228026
BN2 production began in August 1955
Summary of work carried out in June 2022:
Gearbox and engine oil leaks addressed
Seals replaced for above items
Clutch release plate treated
Several seals replaced
Oil and filter service Fuel pump replaced
Alternator belt replaced
Condition
Correct finish in Carmine Red on black with black interior
Paintwork in very good condition due to moderate use since restoration
Bodywork also well preserved with excellent panel fit and finish
Factory-standard exterior with nice details such as leather bonnet straps
Standard car retaining its chrome bumpers which are bright and well finished
Chassis and suspension described by the seller as "like new" and looking good in the photos
Soft top and windscreen recently replaced with a cloth top finished in black
Painted spoke wheels in good condition with tyres having plenty of tread depth
Interior well preserved with black leather trimmed in red and racing harnesses fitted
The interior presents very well with only light wear visible on the seats
All gauges are reported as functional and the dashboard is to factory specification
Moto Lita three-spoke wooden steering wheel
All electrical equipment is reported as working correctly
A few auxiliary switches added under the dashboard but not intrusive to the design
The Mechanics
2,660cc 4-cylinder engine producing 90bhp
Largely factory engine specification, including SU carburettors
Denis Welch cylinder head installed with documentation on file
BN2 4-speed gearbox with overdrive fitted, upgrade desirable
Recent attention to oil leaks from engine and gearbox
Other work on fuel pump, alternator belt and clutch system
Currently reported with no engine or gearbox leaks serviced at 141,000 km, less than 320 km ago.
New clutch recently fitted
The seller tells us that the vehicle drives well and runs without any obvious problems.
BEFORE BUYING
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
