Lot Ended
Description
Older restoration in super condition throughout; various choice
upgrades including 4-speed overdrive gearbox, front disc brakes, big SU
carbs and fast road unleaded head; few owners; vast history file; one of
only 1,030 made in RHD
Instantly
recognisable by its pure and flowing Gerry Coker styling, the prototype Healey
100 two-seater sportscar was unveiled at the 1952 London Motor Show. Based on
Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals, Donald Healey was planning to produce it
in-house at his Warwick factory but the design so impressed Austin’s Managing
Director, Leonard Lord, that a deal was struck to build it in quantity at
Austin's Longbridge factory.
Renamed the
Austin-Healey 100 (to reflect the car’s 100mph performance), it was finished
alongside the A90 at Longbridge based on fully trimmed and painted body/chassis
units produced by Jensen in West Bromwich.
The
first 100s (series BN1) were equipped with the same 2.6 four-cylinder engine as
the A90, mated to a three-speed gearbox with overdrive on second and top.
Braking was by Girling 11-inch drums all round with independent front suspension
using coil springs and a rigid rear axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. These
were built from May 1953 but were replaced by the BN2 model in mid-1955, now
with a four-speed overdrive gearbox, slightly larger front wheel arches, a
different rear axle and optional two-tone paint.
The BN2 was in turn
replaced by the longer and heavier six-cylinder 100/6 in 1956, but many
enthusiasts believe that the earlier four-cylinder car is a better balanced
machine. A stock BN1 tested by The Motor in 1953 had a top speed of 106mph and
could accelerate from 0-60 in 11.2 seconds with 23mpg fuel consumption.
A total of 10,688 BN1s were built (only 1,030 in
RHD) and are perhaps the most desirable of the Healey models being the purest
and the most fun to drive, not to mention being eligible for many historic
events including the Mille Miglia.
First
registered in Bolton in May 1954, this BN1 had five local owners up to 1987 (all
detailed in the buff logbook) and for the next 22 years it was owned by a Mr H
Powell of Kendal and from 2009 – 2021 by a Mr S Turnbull of Carlisle,
well-known on the Cumbrian motor sport scene.
Between 1987 and 1992 it was treated to a total nut-and-bolt
restoration, as detailed in a vast number of invoices and various photos on
file. The odometer was re-set to zero and the car has covered 23,070 miles
since, as documented by 20 old MOTs from 1992 - 2023.
Since the
restoration was completed, this Healey has been treated to a constant process of
improvement and upgrades, again detailed by many invoices on file. Highlights
include: uprated suspension, spin-on oil filter conversion and converted from 6v
to 12v electrics in 2001; recored radiator and aluminium fuel tank in 2004;
4-speed overdrive gearbox plus hydraulic clutch and balanced, shortened prop
shaft in 2007; new set of carpets and sound deadening in 2007; fast road
aluminium cylinder head suitable for unleaded fuel in 2009; localised bodywork
repairs and full respray in 2010; conversion to front disc brakes in 2020.
It also has larger SU carbs with K&N air
filters, black leather upholstery and a stainless steel exhaust system. A
compression check in 2009 showed 160psi across all four cylinders. No doubt
there has been other work carried out and other goodies fitted that we
haven’t spotted in our quick flick through the invoices.
A set of weather equipment is present (hood and tonneau
cover) both in good condition, along with a spare wheel and wheel-changing
kit, a parts catalogue and a workshop manual. It also retains its original
(transferable) Bolton-issue number plate, GWH 497.
As you
can see in the photos, this well-restored and judiciously uprated 100/4 looks
very pretty indeed. We are told that it has been well-maintained during the
current four-year ownership and drives as well as it looks, boasting a level of
performance well above that of a standard example while remaining smooth and
tractable. It has certainly been starting promptly and running well as we have
moved it around on site, with healthy 40psi oil pressure.
You don’t
just drive a BN1; you wear it. Even just pottering around our yard at low speed,
this thing feels light, nippy and eager and is such fun to chuck around that you
just don’t want to stop. We love it and we are sure that you will too, so make
sure you come and see it!
Consigned by James
Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com