1954 Austin-Healey BN1 Roadster

• Delivered new to the USA
• Two owners since 1988
• Professionally restored 2009-2012 (bills available)
• BN2 four-speed gearbox
• Only circa 3,000 miles since completion

Exported new to the USA, this fine example of Austin-Healey's BN1 roadster spent time in California and Arizona before moving to Texas, benefiting from the predominantly dry climate of those regions and remaining very sound and original. The previous owner purchased the car from Master Craft Auto Body of Houston, Texas in July 1988 and imported it into the UK in July 1989 (import paperwork on file). While in the USA the original three-speed gearbox had been replaced with the superior BN2 four-speeder, and Alfin drums fitted to the front brakes.

In 1990 Performance Car Services of Bungay, Suffolk carried out major works, including conversion to right-hand drive (invoices on file). The following year the owner took the Healey to Holland with him; he later returned to the UK and re-imported it in 1996 (documents on file).

The last owner purchased the car in November 2008, having been supported by Orchard Restorations in finding a sound example. Orchard Restorations were then engaged to carry out a mechanical overhaul, commencing in 2009, which included rebuilding the engine, gearbox and overdrive; fitting an alloy cylinder head; alloy sump; geared starter motor; new fuel tank; new wire wheels and Continental tyres. Orchard Restorations also carried out a complete chassis overhaul. The interior was completely retrimmed with new carpets and door cards fitted, and the seats were fully rebuilt and trimmed in blue leather with light blue piping. A new hood, side screens and tonneau cover were also fitted. The rebuild was completed in 2012 after some £24,000 had been spent (invoices on file).

Only circa 3,000 miles have been covered since 2012 and the Healey has been regularly maintained by Orchard Restorations since then. Reportedly the car is in exceptional mechanical condition while the chassis set-up is said to make it a delight to drive. The battery is new and a cutout switch has been fitted. It should be noted that the fuel gauge is not working, the level being determined by use of a dipstick.

Included in the sale are the new and original sets of side screens; tonneau cover; a pair of front over-mats; Austin-Healey 100 service manuals (x2); a parts manual; and a spare roll of new carpet material. The car comes with paperwork comprising invoices and information from the previous and current ownership, together with the V5C document.