1954 Austin Healey BN1

With nomenclature taken from its ability to reach 100mph the Austin Healey 100/4 is considered to deliver the most original and most pure driving experience of all the big Healey’s- agile, punchy and incredibly versatile.

With muscular styling, a tarmac tearing 90hp engine which racing historian Griffith Borgeson wrote "Such high torque at low engine speed is one of the competition assets of the Austin-Healey. Another is its durability", independent front suspension with live rear-axle and leaf-springs, lightweight steel construction, a racy lay-down windscreen and an engaging 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive the 100/4 had manufacturers like MG, Triumph and Jaguar scrambling to keep up.

The BN1 also fawent racing and in 1952 entered the 24hrs of Le Mans finishing in 12th and 14th places, an incredibly noteworthy achievement for what were essentially mildly modified road cars.

Available here is an Australian delivered Austin Healey 100/4 BN1, built on the 13th of September 1954 and sold new to Sydney.

Originally ordered in Carmine Red over Black trim and optioned with a laminated windscreen, wire wheels with the heater deleted this stunningly presented car benefits from a ground up rotisserie restoration completed in 2016.

From the bare metal bodywork and flawless paintwork to the expert rebuild of the engine, transmission, differential, suspension, brakes, interior trim, switch gear and dials, chrome finishing’s, new wheels fitted with period correct Michelin Radial tyres and finally the new soft-top and tonneau cover, the top tier standard of finish makes this one of the finest BN1’s in the country.

Notably, during the restoration the engine was re-built to 100/M (Le Mans) spec – essentially an optional upgrade provided by the factory that includes a pair of 1¾" SU HD6 carburettors, a special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs and distributor with an alternative ignition advance curve that all works to increase power from the standard 90 to 100 hp.

At the same time the transmission was upgraded to a BN2 4 speed with overdrive, the front drum brakes were converted to discs for better stopping power and the louvered bonnet with brown leather strap were added to handsomely complete the Le Mans upgrade.

Within a market where modern cars are a falling knife when it comes to value, the sensation of driving is becoming ever more anaesthetised and international design rules strangle automakers’ imaginations, demand for these early, pure and totally engaging Austin Healey’s is on the up and up.

Not only does their sporty and muscular styling transcend generational tastes, the way they perform on–road and track is unrivalled by anything else, classic or modern.

A rare car that benefits from a zero expense spared restoration that’s ideal for weekend trips away and would make the perfect addition to any garage, this turn-key BN1 100/M Le Mans spec Austin Healey presents a unique investment opportunity you can genuinely sink your teeth into, a viewing is an absolute must.