1953 Austin-Healey 100

Lot details
Registration No: OAC 376
Chassis No: BN1145509
Mot Expiry: July 2003

Sir Leonard Lord was so impressed when he first saw Donald Healey's brand new Austin Atlantic 2660cc 4-cylinder engined sportscar with aluminium body panels at the 1952 London Motor Show that he did a deal with the Cornish rally driver, so that, before the end of the exhibition's run, the Healey 100 had been rebadged Austin-Healey 100 and Lord's newly-created British Motor Corporation would produce them. Actually, although the engines were built at Longbridge, the bodies, which were now largely made out of steel apart from alloy bonnet and boot panels, were manufactured by Jensen in West Bromwich, where some 100 cars per week were also assembled from the summer of 1953 until 1957 when production transferred to Abingdon. Fitted with 3-speed gearboxes to begin with, later 4-speed units became standard spec.
Interestingly, the originally manufactured in 1953 100 BN1 offered here has been twice owned by Frank Grange, who also restored the car and uprated it to 100M specification. The current owner acquired the car three years ago and is only selling it due to lack of time. The 2-seater open bodywork, painted blue, is said still to be good with only one chip apparent. The blue interior is reportedly good, too, as is the condition of the 2660cc 4-cylinder engine, electrical equipment and 3-speed gearbox with overdrive. The 91,512 mileage displayed when entered is believed to be the genuine total from new.
PLEASE NOTE: Further to our inspection of this vehicle the estimate has been revised. Please check this on the information on the screen.