Lot 197 - 1953 Austin Healey BN1 100/4 to Le Mans Specification
| Lot Number | 197 |
| Registration | VYJ 866 |
| Chassis Number | BN1-L/150250 |
| Engine Number | Tbc |
| Odometer reading | 15,040 miles |
| Estimate | £45,000 - £55,000 |
- Extensive restoration between 2006 and 2010
- Sizeable history file
- In very good order throughout
The Austin Healey 100 was built between 1953 and 1956 by the British Motor Corporation. It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's small car company in Warwick and based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanics. Healey built a single 'Healey Hundred' for the 1952 London Motor Show and the design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin so much that a deal was struck with Healey to build it in quantity at Austin's Longbridge factory. An Austin Healey 100/4 BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 11.2 seconds. The desirable ‘M’ (Le Mans) specification included a louvred bonnet, larger carburettors, a cold-air intake airbox, a high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs and a revised distributor. These contemporary modifications were designed to improve the model’s performance in endurance sports and car racing, specifically Le Mans, in the mid 1950s. Owners were able to purchase the 100M Le Mans tuning kits for their ‘road’ car from the Donald Healey Motor Company at the time.
Built on 18th December 1953, this very well presented Austin Healey was supplied new to the USA. In 1993 the Healey was imported to the UK and in more recent times it has been the subject of an extensive restoration between 2006 and 2010. During this time the car was changed to right hand drive and the body was taken back to bare metal and repainted in two-tone Carmine Red over Old English White. The engine was also extensively rebuilt and the running gear and mechanics have all been renewed. The interior which sports red leather seats and carpets was refinished and as such present in very good condition. Purchased by the current vendor in 2018, this Healey has formed part of his private collection ever since and has been maintained to a very high standard. Fitted with the desirable 100M Le Mans package, the 100M is offered with a sizeable history file with many photographs and bills detailing the restoration, an original Austin Healey 100 handbook, many old MoT test certificates, sundry bills, and the current UK registration document. Also included in the sale are the front and rear chrome bumpers and a tonneau cover. This wonderful example presents in very good order throughout and is ready to be enjoyed by its new custodian.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.