1954 Austin Healey 100/4 ‘La Carrera Panamericana’
The Famous Ex-John Chatham Healey "SAL 75"

Registration No: SAL 75
Chassis No: BN 13891
MOT: Exempt

• One of the most historically significant Austin-Healey 100/4s, extensively developed and raced to championship success by renowned tuner and racer John Chatham, with period competition pedigree and widespread recognition within Healey circles
• Exceptional provenance and continuous long-term ownership, including a documented period restoration, over 30 years in the same family, and a rich, continuous history spanning more than six decades
• Highly developed, Chatham-engineered performance specification, featuring a de-tuned road variant of John Chatham’s highly regarded La Carrera Panamericana diesel-block engine, delivering a remarkable 177bhp and an exceptionally engaging driving experience

PLEASE NOTE: Accessories with car includes, hood, 2 sets of side screens (one original and one replacement), a fabric dust cover and an aluminium fuel tank.

Launched in 1953, the Austin-Healey 100/4 stands among the most iconic British sports cars of the post-war era, representing the purest expression of Donald Healey’s vision for a fast, affordable, and competition-capable road car. Introduced in 1955 as the final and most developed iteration of the original “100” series, the BN2 benefited from a number of important mechanical improvements over its predecessor, most notably the adoption of a four-speed gearbox with overdrive. Powered by a robust, torque-rich four-cylinder engine and clothed in a beautifully balanced, low-slung body, the 100/4 quickly established itself as both an accomplished road car and a highly capable competition machine. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after and charismatic sports cars of its era.

The example offered here, registration SAL 75, is without doubt one of the most well-known and extensively documented Healeys, with a rich and continuous history spanning over six decades. Originally built as a standard 100/4, the car was purchased in 1960 by the renowned tuner and racer John Chatham at just 21 years of age for £360—his first Austin-Healey. Under Chatham’s ownership, SAL 75 was extensively developed and upgraded over a four-year period with tremendous success, winning the Big Healey class of the Austin-Healey Club Championship two years running, as well as an outright championship—something previously unheard of for a Big Healey.

Among the modifications carried out were the fitting of front disc brakes, the Le Mans / '100 M' tuning kit, Hepolite pistons, a raised compression ratio, a lightened flywheel, a reground crankshaft, a BN2-spec four-speed gearbox with overdrive, 3000-spec front disc brakes and various suspension setups. Externally, John fitted a Le Mans-style louvred bonnet and, to aid cooling, a pair of works-type wings with cooling vents (one story suggests these came from Pat Moss’ 3000). Through its competition success, the car became a recognised name within Healey circles, featuring prominently in motorsport and Healey literature both in period and more recently.

John sold the car in 1964, after which it passed through a small number of dedicated custodians. The previous owner, Peter John, owned the car for 14 years between 1980 and 1994, during which time he undertook a complete, monthly invoiced and documented restoration. He later consigned the car to Christie’s Auctioneers in 1994, when it was acquired by the current owner’s father-in-law. It has remained in the same family ownership ever since—now totalling some 31 years.

Shortly after its purchase in 1994, the car suffered an engine failure and was returned to John Chatham, with whom the owner had a personal connection. John suggested a de-tuned road variant of his famous Le Carrera Panamericana diesel-block engine, which he subsequently supplied, built, and installed in SAL 75. The result was an impressive 177bhp on the dyno, and a car that is, quite frankly, hilarious to drive.

The car was subsequently maintained for many years in Dartmoor by local specialists, with ongoing involvement from John Chatham until around 2010, and has since continued to be cared for by marque specialists.

Accompanying the car is one of the most comprehensive history files imaginable—stored, appropriately, in a 1984 Napa Valley red wine box. This exceptional archive includes extensive correspondence between the owner and John Chatham, covering, among other things, the 1994 engine failure and rebuild of the Le Carrera Panamericana engine, alongside a significant collection of period and later press coverage dating back to the 1960s, and a vast library of photographs documenting the car and its restoration. Also included is an extensive collection of invoices dating back to 1989, MOT certificates from 1986 onwards, previous V5C documents, a Heritage Certificate, original owner’s handbook and maintenance guide, the original Christie’s purchase paperwork (including cheque stub), and John Chatham’s official biography in which the car features, together with additional Healey literature.

A hugely significant and widely recognised example, SAL 75 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly historic Austin-Healey 100/4 with exceptional provenance, continuous history, and a deep-rooted connection to one of the most important figures in Austin-Healey competition history.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
info@handh.co.uk
07929 363573