1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2

Sold for $66,000 at 2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction.
Donald Healey's Austin-Healey 100 made its debut at the 1952 London Motor Show and was intended as a high-performance, low-cost sports car aimed at the United States market. It had an adjustable lay-down windscreen and, with the 2660cc four-cylinder engine, was able to reach a 100 mph top speed. It had essentially five speeds, as its three-speed gearbox was equipped with overdrive in both 2nd and 3rd gears.

This Austin-Healey was completed at the Longbridge Works in January of 1956. It is a BN2 model with left-hand drive and was equipped with wire wheels, a heater, miles-per-hour speedometer and a laminated windscreen, and finished in Ivory over black upholstery.

The early history of this vehicle is not known. It found its way into the collection of the late Thomas D. Whippo of Reisertown, Maryland. Its next owner was George Bunting of Cockeysville, Maryland. In early 2009, it was given a restoration which lasted four years. It was repainted in the original Ivory white color and given a new interior in dark blue. In total, more than $45,000 was spent on the work.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014