1955 Austin-Healey 100

The British Motor Corporation built the Austin-Healey 100 between 1953 and 1956. Developed by Donald Healey, they were produced in-house by Healey's small car company in Warwick with Austin A90 Atlantic mechanics. A single 'Healey Hundred' was put on display at the 1952 London Motor Show. Its design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin. A deal soon followed and production was moved to Austin's Longbridge factory. The car was renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The first 100's, known as the series BN1, were fitted with the same manual transmission and 90 horsepower engines found in the Austin A90 but the gearbox was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. The BN2 had a four-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive on the top two gears. Other changes included slightly larger front wheel arches, optional two-tone paint, and a different rear axle. A new addition was the 100M model which had a larger carburetor, a cold air box to increase airflow to the carburetors, 8.1:1 compression pistons, and a high-lift camshaft. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvers, along with a bonnet strap. In total, 640 factory-built 100Ms (all BN2 series) were created. Approximately 70-percent were given a two-tone paint scheme. All 100M components, with the exception of the high compression pistons, were available as the LeMans Engine Modification kit, which could be adapted to either a BN1 or BN2. The LeMans Kit could be ordered from BMC with the modification handled by Austin dealers and private owners.

In late 1955, the BN2 received the four-speed manual transmission. Pricing began at nearly $3,000. Standard equipment included knock-on wire wheels, defroster, heater, and overdrive.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019