1954 Austin Healey 100/4 BN1/M in Le Mans Registry

   

1954 Austin Healey 100/4 BN1/M in Le Mans Registry

From Seller:

The first, and arguably the most pure, "Big Healey" are the 1953-1956 A-H One Hundred cars, named after their ability to top the magical "ton" mark on the open road. With their big 2,660 CC four cylinder, they were revolutionary when introduced to those accustomed to the underpowered MG's of the period- finally, a true 100 MPH sports car that was attainable, unlike the Jaguar XK 120 and cars with little prancing horses on them that were only a dream to most.

While the Big Healeys continued in production through 1967, after the 100/4 they gained two cylinders with the 100/6, but also gained weight, size, creature comforts, and in many cases, two extra seats to go along with the extra displacement. This makes the 100/4 cars even more unique, with their svelte shape, racy fold-down two position windscreen, proper side curtains, lack of door handles, and throaty big Four exhaust note.

The car featured here is a life-long California black plate car, and as such, avoided the dreaded rust that has literally dissolved many a Healey. Even more important is the fact that it was fitted in period with a factory 100M "LeMans" kit, the same as the factory team cars had at LeMans in 1953, and is recognized as a proper and legitimate 100M conversion car by the 100M Registry, a very important distinction among the ranks of 100/4 cars. The LeMans kit featured larger dual SU H6 carburetors on special alloy inlet manifolds, a hot camshaft, special performance ignition distributor, and an aluminum cold air box for the carburetors. This particular car was also upgraded by "unlocking" the 3 speed transmission per 100M procedure to a 4 speed transmission, while retaining the factory 3rd and 4th gear overdrive, and also fitted with a stronger BN2 rear axle.

Featuring a fresh nut and bolt, Pebble Beach Concours level restoration with less than 100 miles since completion, there is not finer restored 100/4 on the market. No detail was overlooked in this restoration, one that would cost well over six figures to duplicate- not counting the car that you'd have to start with! I just performed its first break-in service and post restoration check over myself, and it runs and drives magnificently. The engine is smooth, powerful, and has an authoritative bark through the polished stainless steel exhaust. The transmission shifts crisply and cleanly, a rarity in British cars! The factory overdrive cleanly and smoothly engages and disengages with the flip of the dash-mounted switch. The brakes are positive and smooth, and the proper Dunlop Road Speed cross ply tires (tyres?) are fitted to properly trued and balanced Dunlop wire wheels. Even proper reproduction Lucas 6V batteries were fitted, with correct cables. Everywhere you look the details are simply amazing- to wit, take a good look at the underdash and trunk photos. The car is beyond new inside and out. Rarely, if ever, do 100/4's get restored to this level. This is not what some may consider a concours car, and a knowledgeable buyer's heart will sink when they see it, this is truly a concours level car restored to the highest standards.

Full weather equipment is present, including a new red top, red tonneau cover, and beautifully restored red side curtains in the proper storage bag. This 100/4 also has its complete tool roll and original jack with handles neatly stored in the trunk. An impressive factory Owner's Handbook and factory Service Manual are included as well.

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