After presenting a single Healey Hundred design at the 1952 London Motorshow, Donald Healey went on to catch the attention of Leonard Lord, the managing director. After striking a deal, the Austin-Healey 100 entered production and took the world by storm. This particular example is one of the earlier chassis designations, the BN1 100. Later in its life, this car was treated to the “Le Mans” modifications kit, which brought the power up to a mighty 100bhp at 4500 RPM.
The Healey 100 proved to be a valiant motorsport competitor, even rivalling Aston Martins & Ferraris of the era. Over the years, it has developed a cult following and continues to impress drivers both on the road, and on the track. This is certainly a model worthy of any enthusiast’s attention.
This Austin Healey is full of character and history, with a quirky backstory. It was originally imported from California by an aviation engineer who had been relocated to RAF Flyingdales, and decided to bring the car with him.
Years later, the current owner came across this fine example at a classic car specialist dealership whilst looking for a car to take part in the The “Gas & Rally London Bridge to Prague” event in 2002, and instantly fell in love. Over the years, this Austin Healey has truly been cared for, and has even participated in multiple historical rally events, including;
2002 Classic Marathon London to Prague
2003 Scottish Malts Reliability Trial
2004 Hero Irish Trial
2004 Classic Marathon
2005 Rallye Alpes
2004 Welsh Classic
As the rallies became longer, the current owner decided to purchase a Healey 3000, opting to save the 100 for smaller UK events. Following a collision in XXXX whilst participating in the 2018 Hero Scottish Malts event, the owner made the decision to have the car professionally rebuilt. No expense was spared along the way, and the vehicle now sits beautifully in it’s new Healey blue paint, with countless new parts and a pristine body.
Since being rebuilt & serviced, the vehicle has covered very few miles and is now looking for it’s next home, to be driven and enjoyed as intended once again.
The vehicle comes with an extensive amount of paperwork, which covers previous MOTs, purchase history, FIVA documentation, service history, rebuild documentation and more. As previously mentioned, the vehicle was rebuilt following a freak collision to the nearside, at great expense. There is a full section of paperwork dedicated to this rebuild, including a list of parts and labour time. As each section of repair can be tracked using the paperwork, prospective buyers can be confident that this vehicle was rebuilt to the highest of standards.
As the paperwork shows, the vehicle has covered very few miles since it’s extensive rebuild and last service. Previous service and maintenance information is also included, dating back over the years.
Much like the vehicle’s exterior, the interior condition of this beautiful Healey is truly excellent. Both seats are in great condition, with no noticeable damage and barely any signs of the typical wear and tear. The vehicle has also been treated to new carpets, which are topped off with a classy set of Austin floor mats.
Plant yourself in the comfy leather drivers seat, and you’ll be greeted with the original wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel and a view of classy dials. Not only are all gauges and dials in full working order, but they’re also in excellent condition and are positioned brilliantly for the driver.
Although the interior of the Healey 100 is rather minimal, the cabin of this car is very comfortable, in brilliant condition and inspires you to just go for a drive.
The exterior of this car is in truly incredible condition, and leaves bystanders in awe. Having recently been rebuilt and resprayed, the stunning Healey Blue paintwork looks absolutely incredible with very few marks whatsoever. The current owner insisted on using a true specialist for the bodywork, and it’s clear to see that the vehicle has received a very high level of skill and dedication in the paint booth. No attention to detail has been spared, from the shiny chrome trim pieces to the clear protective vinyl on the bonnet to prevent wear to the paint from the leather engine strap.
As the car has undergone such an extensive rebuild, there are no signs of corrosion or rust on the body, ailments that would typically trouble a car of this age. Even a quick glance at the wheel arches & under the wings will give you an example of just how clean the body of this exquisite car truly is.
All four wheels are also in great condition, and are wrapped in a set of Avon ZZ tyres, ready for the next owner’s outings. These wheels suit the elegant body lines perfectly, and help create the perfect balance of sporty aesthetics with a touch of class. On the topic of wheels, a quick look in the boot will reveal a full size spare for added peace of mind.
Overall, the vehicle’s exterior condition is incredible and is a clear reflection of the attention to detail and high quality work this treasured Healey has been treated to over the years. You will be very hard pressed to find a vehicle of this quality, even remotely close to the condition this fine example is in.
The car happily fires up with a turn of the key, and drives exceptionally well. As the vehicle has undergone a large amount of work to bring it to the incredible condition it currently presents itself in, you'll be pleased to know there are no known mechanical or electrical faults whatsoever. With extensive paperwork covering the engine rebuild, courtesy of Andy McPhearson in 2012, the new owner will have more than enough confidence that this stunning car drives exactly as intended.
The peppy 4 cylinder engine wears its “Le Mans” modifications kit with pride, and rewards the driver with a very characterful experience all through the rev range. The power plant is beautifully paired with a 4 speed manual gearbox, which has overdrive fitted to both gears 3 & 4. Finished off with a throaty exhaust guaranteed to put a grin from ear to ear, the driving experience is a truly enjoyable and rewarding one.
Although the vehicle is rather close to being original, it has been fitted with a few upgrades to help with driveability and the overall driving experience. For starters, the suspension units have been updated and are now responsible for a sporty and well balanced ride. In addition to electronic ignition, this Healey 100 has also been treated to disc brakes on the front, to replace the original drum style brakes. As the vehicle was used for historical rallies, a subtle yet welcome modification is the Branz Retro trip, which has been used many a time throughout it’s rallying days.
In summary, this Healey 100 with the M specification upgrade package drives superbly, with no known faults whatsoever. It is a car that needs nothing to be driven and enjoyed by the new owner.
Arguably the greatest Healey model, and no doubt one of the greatest sports cars ever made, the Austin Healey 100 is a true enthusiast car. Throw the “Le Mans” modifications kit on top, and you’ve got yourself a stylish classic car with performance and driving experience to rival plenty of cars on the road. This particular example has had no expense spared on it, drives flawlessly and is perhaps the most pristine Austin Healey 100 M spec you can find on the market. This is an opportunity you simply cannot afford to miss.
This vehicle has been dry stored since its rebuild and never taken out in wet conditions prior to the photographs in the advertisement. Following the photoshoot and the poorly timed British weather, the car’s interior and exterior were promptly dried before the car returned to storage.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1954 Austin Healey 100 M Spec LHD
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