1954 Austin Healey 100/4

SOLD A change to own a well turned out Austin 100/4. Great for vintage racing with a proven record in the Vintage Sports Car Club Of America (VSCCA).

History

There’s an old adage that original is best. In the case of the Austin-Healey, that’s hard to argue against. With its torquey ‘four,’ ultra-clean lines and almost vintage handling, the 100 appears to offer less on paper than its pokier and more highly specified newer siblings. However, slide behind the wheel and you’ll soon see why everyone is clamoring for a 100. With less weight in the nose, the 100/4 has the best balance of all the Big Healeys, while the four-cylinder car was actually faster than the six-cylinder model that replaced it.

The Healey Hundred first saw the light of day at the London Motor Show in October 1952. The brainchild of Donald Healey, the 100 was built to slot between cheap sports cars such as the MG T-series and costly ones like the XK120. Designed by Gerry Coker, the 100 was so named because it could crack the magic 100mph barrier – but it would prove too costly for Healey to build by itself. The potential demand for such a desirable sports car would also have been a problem for Healey; the solution was a deal with Austin, which led to lower prices and a final production figure of over 70,000 units.

Austin Healey Club official Phil Gardner owns a late example (BN2) of the model and is currently restoring a 1954 BN1; he’s convinced the 100 is the pick of the Big Healey crop.

Many enthusiasts opt for the late 3000 convertibles, only to realize after a while that the 100 is nicer to drive, even if it’s less practical. While the six-cylinder cars make great tourers, the four-cylinder models are genuine sports cars.

BNIL227549

BNIL227549 has been extensively raced in VSCCA sanctioned events. The car comes with three log books, as well as many restorable body panels and a spare set of wheels. The present owner has not compromised anything while maintaining the car. This example has been well developed and includes many performance-enhancing upgrades: 10.8-1 compression ratio, Dennis Welch Crank and connecting rods, 8 bolt lightened BJ8 flywheel, BJ8 Clutch, Lemans Carbs, Aluminum Radiator, Heave Duty Shocks, 7/8” Sway Bar, Lowered Body by 2”, Heavy Duty Crank Damper, Halon Fire System, Full Roll Bar, AMF Transponder, Mallory Duel Point Distributer, Comptune Tach, Oil Pressure Warning Light and Fuel Safe Cell.

Specifications

  • 1954 Austin Healey 100/4
  • Chassis: BNIL227549
  • Engine: Austin 4 Cylinder – 2,722cc
  • Engine Number: 227549M
  • Transmission: BN2 4 Speed
  • Brakes: Drums with Carbotech linings
  • Color: Opalescent Blue
  • Price: $45,000

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