Description 1955 Austin Healey 100-4 BN-1 This is an excellent example of the early Big Healey. Not only is this one cosmetically very nice, it has also been fully mechanically gone through, and is much better than new - ready to be used and enjoyed. The current owner purchased it in 2004 and had it completely restored and then took it to shows and toured with it. While the restoration was done a few years ago, it was amazingly thorough and cost well over $100,000 not including the purchase of the car (very well documented). People that have restored car, know the best deal is to buy one that is already done! Complete engine, transmission and driveline rebuilding and upgrading – a true nut-and-bolt restoration. Attention to detail was paramount, as the owner intended to take it to shows and Concours events. An almost unbelievable amount of documentation on parts used, invoices, and photos from parts and work over the last 20 years, as well as manuals, books and catalogs. There is one very small bubble of rust in the passenger door bottom, and three very small bubbles at the bottom of the drivers door. The underside of the car is cleaner than most Healeys on the top side. Overall, the body is extremely dry and clean. The bare metal photos show what it was prior. It has a toneau cover and the 100M style tilting windscreen operates as it should. The wire wheels are higher number spoke upgraded items with newer, but period style Veredestein Sprint Classic tires. The original wire wheels are included and pictured. Recent mechanical work (totaling almost $15,000) includes an alternator conversion, gear reduction starter upgrade, cooling fan upgrade, SU carburetor rebuild and air filter upgrade, electronic ignition distributor, balancer front pulley, aluminum oil sump, single 12V battery and rear spring upgrade. The original parts are all included – generator, starter, fan, air filters, oil pan etc. Basically, anything that could be done to make it an enjoyable and more reliable occasional driver, or go-to classic rally/drive car has been done. Check the oil, get in and go. This car runs and drives beautifully – much better than new. The engine was rebuilt with mild head port work, a Le Mans type camshaft and higher compression. It makes great power and accelerates smoothly and strongly, even from very low RPMs, the unique and early 3 speed plus overdrive transmission (all rebuilt) shifts very well and the overdrive is super nice to have. Brakes are adjusted and work well. The suspension is taught and well balanced. It as an upgraded 5/8” anti-sway bar which makes a large difference in cornering. All of the gauges and lights work as they should. The exhaust note is perfect classic British sports car, in my opinion. Throaty, but not obnoxious. This is a numbers-matching car with a BMHIT Certificate. In my opinion, this is a strong Hagerty 1 minus or 2 plus – placing it in the high $80k to mid $90k range. We are asking $80k to facilitate an easy sale.Many photos available: |