1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1
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Roadster
Chassis Num: BN1L226643
 
The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in October of 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show and produced in late 1953. The first Austin Healey 100's were known as 100-4 or BN1. The name 100 came-about by being able to break the 100 mph barrier. The BN also had meaning. The B represented the engine class which meant it had between 2000 and 3000cc. The N represented the body-style configuration, two-seat and open-top. The 100 was powered by a A90, 2660cc, four-cylinder engine capable of producing 94 horsepower. The 100 series cars were produced thru July 1956.

A particular sporting feature of the Austin-Healey 100 was it's rakish lay-down windscreen and two-passenger coachwork.
Roadster
Chassis Num: BN2-L/228644
Engine Num: 1B/228644
 
This 1955 Austin Healey 100-4 BN2 was offered for sale at the 2007 Christie's Auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in red with black leather interior. Power is provided from the four-cylinder pushrod overhead valve engine that produces 90 horsepower. Disc brakes are in the front and drums in the rear.

The 'BN2' versions were the next generation in the 100 series. These were commonly known as 'four-bangers' and a total of 3,934 examples were produced with around 500 examples surviving the test of time. The BN2 was different from the BN1 in that it had a four-speed manual gearbox, electric overdrive and larger brake drums.

This example was created on September 26 of 1955 and fitted with the factory equipment comprising of dual vertical dip headlights, heater, and wire wheels. In 1975 the vehicle was treated to a frame-off restoration and been given a 'refreshing' since then.

At auction the car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. Bidding for this vehicle was enthusiastic, with the high bid exceeding the estimated value, and settling at $82,500 including buyers premium.
Roadster
Chassis Num: BN2L228075
Engine Num: 1B207130
 
Austin-Healey offered the 100 with a full compliment of options, including the full 'Le Mans' modification kit which included a pair of HD6 SU carburetors flowing into a revised manifold, cold air box, stronger top end, special advance distributor curve, and a high lift camshaft. The true 'M' version was more than just it kit, it was a race-bred machine. It included a stiffer antiroll bar and high-compression pistons, a louvered bonnet with leather straps to hold it in place. Top speed was achieved at 109 mph.

This vehicle is a 100BN2, and an excellent example of a modified 100. It was found in Northern California in the late 1980s and subsequently restored between 1990 and 1991. All major mechanical systems were rebuilt and now include a long list of M components. It is painted in black-and-red two-tone with a black leather interior with red piping. There are original gauges, a Moto-Lita steering wheel, full top and tonneau cover, and full set of optional chrome wire wheels.

In 2007, it was brought to the Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, California where it was estimated to sell for $90,000-$120,000. It was offered without reserve, which worked well for the buyer, who purchased the car for $73,700, including buyer's premium.
The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in October of 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show. The first Austin Healey 100's were known as 100-4 or BN1. The name 100 came-about by being able to break the 100 mph barrier. The BN also had meaning. The B represented the engine class which meant it had between 2000 and 3000 cc. The N represented the body-style configuration, two-seat and open-top. The 100 was powered by a A90, 2660 cc, four-cylinder engine capable of producing 94 horsepower. The manual three-speed transmission was also borrowed from the A90. However, the first gear was blocked off and was fitted with overdrive on the second and third gears to provide extra power.
The name 'Austin Healey' was formed by a partnership comprising of the designer, Donald Mitchell Healey, and the manufacturer, Austin.

During its total production cycle, 10,688 examples of the BN1 were produced.

In October of 1955, the BN2 was introduced. The BN2 was similar to the BN1 in design but now featured larger drum brakes and a new four-speed transmission with overdrive.

During its production run, 3,924 examples of the BN2 were produced.

The Austin Healey 100S was produced in limited numbers, only 55. Their primary purpose was for competing in racing and rally events as well as for development and marketing purposes. They were entered into races such as Sebring, Mille Miglia, and Le Mans. They were copies of special factory test car that Stirling Moss raced in the 1954 12-hour Sebring race where he placed third. The 100S's were produced at the Healey Warwick factory and most were decorated with the American racing colors, white and blue. Of the 55 that were built, only 10 remain unaccounted for. The 100S, when compared with the 100, featured Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels, different cylinder head and internal engine modifications, four-speed gearbox without overdrive, and a light-alloy body shell.

The 100S was followed by the 100M. The 100M was a Le Mans variation of the BN2 with an increased horsepower rating of 100-110. It featured bigger carburetors and modified distributor. Valve springs and anti-roll bars were added to the suspension. During its production run, 1100 of the Le Mans BN2's were produced.

Over time, about 100 BN2 were later modified but in order to qualify for the Le Mans configuration the vehicles needed to meet specific standards. These standards included a 1.75 inch H6, SU carburetors, cold air box and air tube, Le Mans regulation strap and a factory style louvered hood.

The four cylinder engine was used from 1952 through 1956, after which a BMC six-cylinder engine was used. The car was dubbed the '100 Six'. Three years and a few engine modifications later, the car was named the '3000' and today is known as the 'Big Healey'. Over the production lifespan of the 3000, it could be assembled with multiple options such as a two-seater or 2+2, hard-tops, single or duo-tone paint schemes, overdrive, and more.

In 1962 the body was redesigned with a curved screen and wind up windows. The interior of the vehicle was revamped in 1964 and also received more ground clearance.

The 3000 was produced from 1959 through 1968. The original engine produced 124 horsepower and was capable of about 114 mph. Modifications to the engine throughout the years increased the horsepower to around 148 and the top speed to 121 mph. The size of the car, the power of the engine, and weighing in at around 2400 lbs made this car responsive, competitive and fun to drive.

In all, there were around 73,000 100's and 3000's produced with 58,000 featuring the six-cylinder engine.

Photos grouped by event

Gooding & Company

Christie's Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Ault Park Concours d'Elegance

2006 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

2005 PVGP Car Show

2005 Crown Royal Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street
 

1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN1

Year1955
MakeAustin-Healey
Model100 BN1
Body StyleRoadster
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Production Years for Series1953 - 1955
Weight2015 lbs | 914 kg
MPG Highway25
Combined MPG0.00

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis NumberBN1L226643
Chassis NumberBN2-L/228644
Engine Number1B/228644
Chassis NumberBN2L228075
Engine Number1B207130

Performance
0-60 mph10.5 seconds.
1/4 Mile17.5 seconds
Top Speed106 mph | 170.6 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
Cylinders4
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement162.20 CU IN. | 2658.5 cc. | 2.7 L.
ValvetrainOHV
Horsepower90.00 BHP (66.2 KW) @ 4000.00 RPM
Torque150.00 Ft-Lbs (203.4 NM) @ 2000.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio22.4 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter33.3 BHP / Liter
Main Bearings3
Engine Electronics12-volt
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedCarburetor
2 SU H4 carburetors
BlockCast-iron
HeadCast-iron
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight


 
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Articles and Event Coverage
Gooding & Company
Christie's Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Ault Park Concours d'Elegance
2006 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
2005 PVGP Car Show
2005 Crown Royal Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street

Additional Resources and Links
Walnut Street Invitational Car Show in Shadyside Official Website
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Car Show Official Website
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Official Website
Concours d'Elegance at Ault Park Official Website
Christie's at The Monterey Jet Center Official Website
Gooding & Company Auction : Pebble Beach Official Website

1955 Austin-Healey models
100M
100S

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