1954 Austin-Healey 100

Lot details
Registration No: GVG 709
Chassis No: BN1160876
Mot Expiry: 26.3.2004

Donald Healey's new Austin Atlantic engined sportscar with aluminium body panels caused a sensation when it was first exhibited at the 1952 London Motor Show. The most impressed of all the visitors to the Healey stand though was Sir Leonard Lord of the British Motor Corporation who instantly spotted the mass-production and US dollar earning potential of the Healey. A deal was quickly struck for BMC to make the new sports car.
From 1953 until 1957, when production moved to Abingdon, Austin-Healey badged 100/4s, now with steel bodywork, were put together for BMC by Jensen of West Bromwich. Early cars had the 3-speed gearbox, with overdrive option, while 4-speed transmission became standard later.
The East Anglian entrant of the 1954-built 100/4 BN1 offered tells us that his car has resided in Norfolk all its life. A total restoration was apparently completed in 1991 with much of the body now in aluminium except for bonnet, boot lid and doors. Blue paintwork and dark blue interior are said to be very good. The 2660cc 4-cylinder engine, which has only done 6118 miles since a complete rebuild when total mileage was 95,859, is claimed to be as new, whilst 3-speed box and overdrive are said to be very good. Along with current V5, which should be with the car on sale day, the history file includes an old green logbook and all former MOT certificates from 1989.