1955 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1L

Lot 18
Go to lot
Estimation :
60000 - 80000 EUR
1955 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1L
SERIAL NUMBER 156600 - ENGINE NUMBER 1B213606M A TRUE BRITISH ROADSTER, ELEGANT AND SPORTY ICONIC GERRY COKER DESIGN - LEFT HAND DRIVE FRENCH REGISTRATION - NUMEROUS SERVICE INVOICES The Austin Healey 100 began its history in 1951 following Donald Healey's trip to the USA. Aware of the roadster proposals on the market across the Atlantic, he planned to compete with the MG and the Jaguar XK with a good in-between car. It will be called "100" for its ability to reach 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). In order to minimize costs, it will use an engine already well developed: the 2.6L of the Austin A90. A torquey and powerful engine, able to propel this car of only 987 kg above 100 m/h ... the legend was born. Equipped with a gearbox with the mythical "Overdrive Laycock De Normanville", our little roadster can easily swallow the km on fast tracks without taking too many turns and damaging the engine. The Austin Healey 100/4 will be presented at the London Motor Show in 1952 and will instantly seduce the public with its elegance and refinement, without taking away anything from its sporty look. Emblematic from the 50's, this wonderful rear-wheel drive roadster was a success in both touring and racing. Production started in 1953 and stopped in 1956, the year of the BN2 release, second phase of the 100/4 model. A total of 10,688 BN1 and 3,924 BN2 were produced by Austin Healey. Our example is in a very nice aesthetic condition with an almond green colour and a matt black bonnet; direct evocation of the racing model of the time. Modifying the car to get as close as possible to the racing model was clearly the goal for the former owners of this Austin-Healey; for this purpose, the bumpers were removed, grills were installed on the front lights and long-range headlights were added to the grille. The interior remained original, with black upholstery and a black and grey dashboard. Mechanically, the 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission works well according to our test drive. The overdrive is functional in 3rd gear and really helps to make the car smooth at high revs. Quite atypical compared to the 3000s, this 100/4 will not leave any British roadster lover indifferent. The various modifications made by the current owner give it the right balance between chic and sporty, enough to drive with hair in the wind with a maximum of sensations.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue