29th Oct, 2009 14:20

Haynes International Motor Museum

 
  Lot 47
 

1953 Austin-Healey 100

Sold for £43,875

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: 215 XUL
Chassis No: BN1L-150288
Mot Expiry: Oct 2010

Dominating the 1952 Earl's Court Motor Show, the 'Healey Hundred' drew crowds like a magnet. Penned by Gerry Coker, its low-slung stance, swooping lines and fold flat 'racing' windscreen screamed sports car. Conscious that there was a gap in the export market between Jaguar's XK range and the MG T-series, BMC supremo, Leonard Lord immediately propositioned Donald Healey as to a joint venture. A facsimile of the show car, the resultant Austin-Healey 100 sat atop a rigid box-section chassis equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a `live' rear axle and all round drum brakes. Powered by the Austin A90 Atlantic 2660cc engine developing some 90bhp and 144lbft of torque, it offered strong acceleration and a 110mph top speed. As part of his tireless publicity campaign to promote the newcomer, Donald Healey entered a team of four pre-production cars for the 1953 Le Mans 24-hour race. Running with standard windscreens, interiors and even bumpers, two of this mildly tweaked quartet survived to finish 12th and 14th overall (an amazing result for such a comparatively inexpensive model in near stock condition).

A notably early left-hand drive example dating from the period before production at Longbridge had been properly finalised, car number BN1L/150288 was supplied new to California. Repatriated from The Golden State several decades later, the two-seater was entrusted to renowned specialist J.M.E. Healeys with instructions that it should be given a `chassis up, nut and bolt' restoration. Carried out over a number of years, the refurbishment process saw attention paid to the car's chassis, bodywork (including alloy outer panels), electrical equipment, drivetrain, paint and trim etc. A testament to the standard achieved, the BN1 was chosen by J.M.E. to grace one of its own show stands. Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, `215 XUL' has covered less than 200 kilometres since work was completed. Interest in early Austin-Healey 100s has increased significantly of late with a particular focus on the 1953 cars. Offered for sale at less than the cost of its restoration, `215 XUL' is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until Oct 2010.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Haynes International Motor Museum, 29th Oct, 2009

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