1953 Austin Healey 100 BN1
In 1952, Donald Healey showcased a prototype sports car at the London Motor Show — the Healey Hundred — built on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals with a sleek Gerry Coker designed body by Tickford. Its promise of 100mph performance attracted Austin’s Managing Director Leonard Lord, who swiftly brokered a deal to mass-produce it at Longbridge, under the new name Austin-Healey 100.
The BN1 series (1953–1955) saw a robust chassis of 3-inch square box-section, out riggers and a mix of independent coil sprung front suspension with a leaf sprung rear axle. Unique among sports cars of its time, it featured a three-speed gearbox with overdrive on 2nd and 3rd — essentially a modified four-speed A90 unit.
Notably, while the first 25 cars were assembled in Warwick, bodyshell production soon passed to Jensen Motors. Total BN1 production reached 10,688 units, the bulk of which were exported, before being replaced by the BN2 in 1955.
It marked the birth of the Austin-Healey marque — and set the tone for Britain’s golden age of affordable, fast, and handsome sports cars.
Originally built on 4th November 1953, this early BN1 Austin-Healey 100 was dispatched to the USA, where it spent the majority of its life before returning to the UK in 2020. Upon its repatriation, the car was entrusted to ourselves at JME proceed with a full outer body rebuild and paintwork.
The restoration saw the restored bulkheads assembled on a new chassis, with the outer bodywork restored and refinished in its original Healey Blue. The engine was fully rebuilt to 100M specification, while great care was taken to preserve the car’s originality — retaining key BN1 features such as the original 3-speed gearbox and drum brakes.
The interior benefits from a complete re-trim featuring leather seats, Karvel carpets, and an Everflex hood and tonneau cover, presented beautifully throughout.
Supplied with a current UK V5C registration document, British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, and an extensive history file detailing the restoration process with invoices and photographic records.
This recently restored BN1 is in superb condition, representing one of the finest examples currently available on the market. It would be impossible to replicate this car to such a standard for the asking price, making it an unmissable opportunity for the serious Austin-Healey collector or enthusiast.
£95,000.00 GBP
For further information on this car or to arrange a viewing or test drive, please contact us on our email address at enquiries@jmehealeys.co.uk or call our workshop on +44 01926 499000