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LOT 258 1955 Austin Healey 100/4 BN1


SPECIFICATION Registration


Chassis No. Engine No.


Odometer Reading Estimate


RNY 780


BN1220239 1B220239M 65,996


£35,000 - £39,000 The Austin Healey 100 was built from 1953 until 1956 and


developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey’s small car company in Warwick. Healey built a single Hundred for the 1952 London Motor Show and the design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin, so much that a deal was struck with Healey to build it at Austin’s Longbridge factory and renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The name came from Donald Healey who selected it due to the car’s ability to reach 100mph, as opposed to the Austin-Healey 3000, duly named for its 3000cc engine. Production Austin-Healey 100s were finished at Austin’s Longbridge plant. The 100 was the first of three models later


called the Big Healeys to distinguish them from the much smaller Austin-Healey Sprite. The Big Healeys are often referred to by their three- character model designators rather than by their models. The first series ‘BN1’ were equipped with the same 90bhp engines and manual gearbox as the A90 although the transmission was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. Girling 11 inch drum brakes are fitted all round with front suspension independent, using coil springs and the rear is a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, steering is by a cam and lever system. A BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106mph with acceleration from 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds. This stunning Austin Healey BN1 has been subject to an


extensive restoration and presents in fabulous condition. The current vendor states the car is “outstanding” to drive and is only selling her due to a lack of suitable garage space. A good level of history dating back to 1990 accompanies the car confirming the fitment of disc brakes on the front in 2006 thus greatly enhancing the drivability of the car. Supplied with a V5 Registration document and an MoT test certificate, the condition of this ‘Big Healey’ has to be seen to be fully appreciated. It is rare to see these cars presented in such splendid order.


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