66 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor
Show, the works entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le
Mans 24-Hour Race, which finishing in 12th and 14th places, a highly
praiseworthy achievement for what were recognisably production sports
cars. Accordingly, the name 'Le Mans' was chosen for a bolt-on tuning
kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which private
owners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of
the works entries. The kit included a pair of 1¾" SU HD6 carburettors
plus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger
valve springs, and distributor with alternative ignition advance curve. With
the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp.
From October 1955 the conversion was available factory-fitted on the
successor BN2 model in the form of the 100M, which also incorporated
other performance-enhancing modifications. Power increased to 110bhp
and top speed, with windscreen folded Åat, to within a whisker of
120mph. The number of BN1s converted by their owners is unknown but
1,159 cars, mostly BN2s, were built or subsequently modified to 100M
specification between 1955 and 195 . Of these, approximately 40 were
completed at the factory.
This original, right-hand drive Austin-Healey 100 export model was
delivered new to the Larke Hoskins dealership in Sydney, Australia and
registered in Queensland, where it remained.
Later on it was discovered, dismantled, in dry storage, apparently having
been off the road for 30-plus years. The vendor purchased the Healey in
2015 and immediately commissioned a full 'last nut and bolt' restoration
by a marque specialist, which has returned the car to the effectively as
new' condition in which it is presented today.The restoration involved fully overhauling and balancing the engine, which
has been rebuilt to 100M Le Mans specification, and overhauling the
gearbox with an upgraded overdrive. A new, cloth-covered wiring loom
has been installed, replicating the appearance of the original.The original chassis and body have been restored to generally excellent
condition, the latter being repainted in its factory colour scheme of
Spruce Green, while the interior has been re-trimmed and re-carpeted.
Mechanical upgrades include a reduction-gear starter motor; adjustable
shock absorber mounts; electronic ignition; 64-spoke chromed wire
wheels; and a MotoLita steering wheel.Offered with Heritage Certificate and a full photographic record of
the restoration, '155919' represents a rare opportunity to acquire
an iconic, first-of-the-line Big Healey, rebuilt to the desirable 100M
Le Mans specification.
£55,000 - 65,000
€64,000 - 76,00011
1954 AUSTIN-HEALEY BN1 ROADSTER
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. BN1/155919
- Delivered new to Sydney, Australia
- Dry stored for 30-plus years
- Restored between 2015 and 2016
• Rebuilt to 100m 'Le Mans' specification