Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

168 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

Donald Healeys stylish Austin-Healey 100 caused a sensation when
it debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show. 0ntended as a low cost
high-performance sports car and aimed at the <nited States market,
which took almost 100 of production initially, the Austin-Healey 100
sourced its major components from the Austin Atlantic saloon. Low-
revving and torquey, the latter's 2,660cc four-cylinder engine produced
an unremarkable 90bhp, but when installed in the lighter and more
streamlined Healey the result was a genuine 100mph-plus car capable
of reaching 60mph in under 11 seconds, an exceptional performance
at the time.

A three-speed gearbox equipped with overdrive on the top two ratios
was an unusual feature of the original BN1, which was superseded
by the short-lived, conventional four-speed BN2 for 195. 0n 1953
a team of drivers including Donald Healey and George Eyston set a
host of international and AMA speed records at <tahs Bonneville Salt
Flats driving two Healey 100s. Highlights including a maximum speed
of 143.626mph and 1,000 kilometres at an average of 127.00mph
achieved by the tuned car and 24 hours at an average of 104.3mph set
by the AMA-selected off-the-showroom-Åoor example.

A muscular sports car to delight the purist, the 100 was not bettered

by its six-cylinder successors in terms of outright performance until the

introduction of the Austin-Healey 3000 in 1959.

This left-hand drive Austin-Healey 100 was built as a North American

export model and spent most of its life in sunny Palm Springs,

California. The Healey has had only two owners from new, the

second of whom acquired the car in 195. The car benefits from

extensive restoration, including a full engine rebuild carried out in

1997 by a Healey specialist, since when only some 500 miles have

been covered. Other works included a full repaint of the original

rust-free body, re-chroming of brightwork, rebuilding the suspension

and brakes, overhauling the carburettors, rebuilding the overdrive

(Hardy Engineering), and fitting a stainless steel exhaust system. After

completing the restoration earlier this year, the owner has decided to

sell the car, which is described as in generally excellent condition, with

superb panel fit, driving and stopping really well.

Eligible for the Le Mans Classic and many other prestigious historic

motoring events, this beautiful Austin-Healey is offered with sundry

restoration invoices, BM0HT Certificate, current MoT and a V5C

£50,000 - 70,000

€58,000 - 81,000

• Iconic 'first of the line' model


• Matching numbers


• Long-term ownership for circa 50 years


• Restored condition


• Eligible for the Le Mans Classic

155

1955 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100 ROADSTER

Registration no. 993 <YR

Chassis no. BN-L224927