2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
110bhp at 4,400rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Exceptional nut-and-bolt restoration completed in 2019
*Upgraded to 100M Le Mans specifications
*Matching numbers example, eligible for the finest concours or rallies
*Offered with a Heritage Trust Certificate and restoration records

THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 100

Donald Healey's stylish Austin-Healey 100 caused a sensation when it debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show. Intended as a low-cost, high-performance sports car targeted for the US market, the car featured beautiful flowing bodywork and an adjustable lay-down wind screen, giving the low Roadster a particularly sporty profile. Fitted with a large, torquey 2,660cc four-cylinder engine, the light and streamlined Healey 100 was a genuine 100mph-plus car. A three-speed gearbox was equipped with overdrive in both 2nd and 3rd gears, essentially giving the car five speeds. Soon after arriving on US shores, the sleek Austin-Healey 100 became the sports car to own among young Americans, and remains one of the most characteristic British Roadsters ever produced.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Austin-Healey works in August of 1954, this left-hand-drive 100 BN1 was finished new in Old English White over a red interior, trim and weather equipment. Specified for the North American market, the Roadster was fitted with a Smiths miles-per-hour speedometer and Fahrenheit gauges. Furthermore, the records from British Motor Industry Heritage Trust indicate the Austin-Healey was factory-delivery with 12-volt electrics, SU type H4 carburetors, 590 x 15 wheels and tires, and an 8-33 rear axle ratio.

The car was delivered new to the sports car hungry North American market, and a previous owner has stated that the car was sold new in San Francisco, California. It is recorded that the car was owned by a Mr. William P. Ceasari of Piedmont, California from 1966 until 1974. The next owner, a Mr. Gary Oats of Sacramento, CA, is recorded to have been in possession of the Austin-Healey from 1974 until 2015, at which point the aging Austin-Healey 100 BN1 was purchased by the consignor, a fellow enthusiast and collector from Sacramento, California.

A largely complete car, still intact with its original chassis, bodywork, engine and transmission, the Austin-Healey was a perfect candidate for a thorough restoration. The concours-quality restoration orchestrated by the consignor and completed in 2019 included an engine rebuild with new high compression pistons and a performance cam installed to 100M Le Mans specifications. The transmission, suspension and brake systems were also restored to factory correct standards. The radiator was re-cored, and the gas tank restored while a new fuel pump was installed. A new clutch and pressure plate were fitted, along with a stainless-steel exhaust. The original body and chassis were carefully stripped and prepared before being repainted in stunning Iridium Silver by Lighthall Restoration of Northern California, while Barron Upholstery retrimmed the interior and fitted a new convertible top. Bright work was refinished or replaced, and a new wiring harness was installed. Instruments were restored by Nisonger Instruments and the lovely wood-rimmed steering wheel was refurbished. Equipped with Lucas PL 700 headlights and shod on classic Vredestein tires, the Austin-Healey looks just right. The car was upgraded during the restoration to Le Mans specifications. As offered on the later 100 BN2 model, this performance upgrade includes the cold air intake box and carburetors, louvred hood and gold faced, 140mph speedometer.

An exceptional restoration through and through, this is arguably one of the best presented Healey 100's available anywhere and would be a welcome contestant at most concours events, or a great companion on rallies such as the California Mille. One could easily install a 4-speed transmission from a later BN2, but with overdrive on 2nd and 3rd gear, many Healey enthusiasts are just as happy with the early three-speed box. Offered with its Heritage Trust Certificate and records from the extensive restoration, this superb Austin-Healey 100 BN1 to 100M Le Mans specifications deserves a close look.