Austin-Healey 100/4 (1955)

Debuting at the 1952 London Motor Show, the Healey 100 was a big hit. So much in fact the then acting director of Austin, Leonard Lord took enough interest to add "Austin" in front of the name. The Austin Healey 100-4 was produced briefly from 1953 until 1956. A new British Sports Car came to light and it wasn't just a revolution on the road. 100-4's took to circuits worldwide as both factory race cars and privateer entrants, proving success on the track these agile 4-cylinder sports cars attributed to the Austin Healeys success as a road car. Allowing for much progression and later evolving into the 100-6 and 3000 examples.
The car on offer here lives up to the name in many ways. Produced September 10th, 1954, Chassis # BN1-L/219224 was sold new for North American Export then finished in Spruce Green. The only options were a Heater and Laminated windscreen. While exact history from new until the mid 1980's is not fully known we do know that car was owned by a Kurt Hoffman in the 1980's. As of 1992 during the Carlisle import week, a Mr. Etter of Harrisburg, PA acquired the car as a very original example that was running, driving, and still finished in its original Spruce Green. Shortly thereafter, a total restoration was commissioned. From 1993-1996 this 100-4 received a total restoration, with no expense spared. We are told this car was never a very rusty example to begin with, totally numbers matching, and therefore an ideal candidate. The restoration entailed every aspect of the car being comprehensively tended to. Fully documented and apparent by inspection, the quality and craftsmanship of the restoration by Neff Enterprises of Mechanicsburg, PA are of the highest standards. During this time the entire drive-line was completely rebuilt, all suspension and braking components rebuilt, and the steering all new as well. Cosmetically the car was totally stripped any issues tended to, made very straight and then finished in the traditional 100S colors of White with Lobelia Blue Coves. The undercarriage and places one can't see are all finished to the same quality as the exterior body, very impressive. The interior was finished in blue as was the top, weather gear, and tonneau cover. All chrome work, electrical, and upholstery was also tended to at that time, using only the best and most correct materials to complete the car.
Since completion in 1996, we have many receipts for the 3,800 miles covered to date; showing that it has been well sorted and taken care of by its collector owner of nearly 20 years. Always stored properly amongst other British cars, it has always been a prized possession and enthusiastically owned. Today the car presents very well and could easily pass for a 3 year old restoration in many ways. Striking in 100S colors, this car is still very straight, all shut lines and panel fitment are excellent. There are no real cosmetic blemishes other than on small stress crack on the boot lid and the smallest chip on the passenger side rocker. Otherwise, one would be hard pressed to find any other complaints. The curves are correct, and the work excellent. All chrome pieces, emblems, trim etc... are all present, of excellent quality and show very well. Up front you will find the ubiquitous Austin Healey 100 Grill with Lucas Tri-Pod headlamps and a large set of secondary fog lamps, which look terrific. While chrome wires weren't correct as of 1955, these wheels show as new and really bring a great look to the car. The interior shows hints of use, but overall has supple leather, carpets and dash in great condition, and a nearly new top and weather gear to match. The door jams are very clean, and under the dash is tidy and appears new. The dash shows all of the correct gauges, and is finished off with an aftermarket but very fitting Moto-Lita type steering wheel. All gauges, buttons, and switches work correctly.
Mechanically, there are no complaints. Under the hood shows a car that could be questionable with 1,000 miles, it shows very well, with all numbers matching. Very correct, tidy, but also very functional; the engine starts instantly, runs strong, and has the expected deep bellow of an early 2.6L 4-Cylinder. The undercarriage, all running gear and systems one can't see from 5 feet away are all the same quality as the exterior and/or engine bay, the quality throughout is consistent. The braking system works well for early 11" drums and stops on a dime without any pulling or pedal feedback of any sort. The steering is sharp and works well at speed. The car handles superbly and through inspection we can tell the suspension is in excellent order as well. With no leaks, or issues of any kind, this 100-4 is absolutely turnkey. We have driven this car with spirit only to report it is superb in every way, truly masterpiece of its time, and one of the purest sports cars we have ever been in. The oil pressure hardly drops below 50-60 pounds, and the temperature would be hard pressed to see 190 degrees at most. All of the gauges work correctly, as does the gear lever, shifting is flawless and at the end of 3rd the overdrive takes over with ease.
Included in the sale are all of the documents since 1990, a British Heritage Trust Certificate, spare, tonneau, side curtains, and top. Also included is the correct original hood (already painted) with body numbers matching. The original valve cover is also present but in original condition. For the current 100M style hood, we do have the strap included to anyone who might want to add it. The Austin Healey 100 is a quintessential British Sports Car in many ways, a sensible and important addition to any sports car collection and a smart investment as well. This is an opportunity not to be missed, a very well restored, sorted, and stunning 1955 Austin Healey 100-4 BN1 finished in the right colors, and ready to perform or show. We encourage inspections and invite those with additional interest to please inquire.

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