Your Complete Austin Healey Reference

Browse every major Austin Healey and Sprite model specification—from the early BN1s to the final BJ8s and Sprite MKIV. Find engine specs, torque, horsepower, weight, top speed, and key historical context in one definitive guide. Trusted by Healey restorers worldwide.

BN1 to Early BN4

Austin Healey 100 BN1
Red Austin Healey 100 BN1 roadster in an English village street scene, 1950s style.
Production Period May 1953-June 1955
Body Style Open two-seater roadster
Engine 4-cylinder pushrod OHV, engine: 2,660 cc
Carburetors Two SU 1.5" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 90 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 144 lb/ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission Three forward speeds plus overdrive available on 2nd and 3rd
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,150 lb
Top Speed 103 mph
Zero - 60 11.7 sec
Other -
Competition Successes
1953–54 BN1 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1953 Mille Miglia (Brescia) 12th overall, 2nd in >2 L Sports class
1953 Bonneville Salt Flats – 24 Hours Averaged 104.3 mph (stock BN1)
1953 Bonneville Salt Flats – Flying Mile 143.626 mph (modified BN1)
1954 12 Hours of Sebring 3rd overall, 1st in 3 L Sports class 🥉
Austin Healey 100 BN2
Blue Austin Healey 100 BN2 roadster driving a country lane past fields.
Production Period August 1955-August 1956
Body Style Two-seat roadster
Engine 4-cylinder push-rod OHV, engine: 2,660 cc
Carburetors Two SU H4 1.5" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 90 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 144 lb/ft @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission Four forward speeds plus optional overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,170 lb
Top Speed 103 mph
Zero - 60 11 sec
Other Improved brakes and suspension compared to Austin Healey 100 BN1
Austin Healey 100S (Sebring)
Illustration of green Austin Healey 100S racing at speed on a sunlit Sebring-style circuit with helmeted driver.
Production Period February-November 1955
Body Style Two-seat roadster - Lightened and restyled
Engine 4-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,660 cc
Carburetors Two SU H4 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 132 bhp @ 4,700 rpm
Torque 168 lb/ft @ 2,500 rpm
Transmission Four forward speeds
Brakes 11.5" diameter Dunlop Discs front and rear
Weight 1,962 lb
Top Speed 118 mph
Zero - 60 7.8 sec
Other 55 (50 Production Cars + 5 Works Prototypes)
Competition Successes
1954–56 100S Competition Results
Year Event Result
1954 12 Hours of Sebring 3rd overall, 1st in S3.0 class (Macklin/Huntoon)
1954 Bonneville Salt Flats Averaged 132.29 mph over 24 hours; set multiple International Class D records
1955 12 Hours of Sebring 6th overall (Moss/Macklin)
1955 Mille Miglia 1st in S-3.0 Sports class (NOJ 393) 🥇
1956 12 Hours of Sebring 11th overall (Bussey)
1956 Bonneville Salt Flats Averaged 153.14 mph over 500 miles; set multiple International Class D records
Austin Healey 100M BN1/BN2
Illustration of dark Austin Healey 100M parked on a coastal mountain road at sunset overlooking the sea.
Production Period 1955-1956
Body Style Two-seat roadster
Engine 4-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,660 cc
Carburetors Two 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 110 bhp @ 4,500 rpm
Torque 143 lb/ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward speeds plus optional overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,170 lb
Top Speed 109 mph
Zero - 60 9.6 sec
Other Le Mans conversion, available either as a Donald Healey modified BN2 or as an engine conversion kit which could be purchased and fitted by owners.

100-Six - BN4 & BN6

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Austin Healey 100-Six BN4 (First Series)
Illustration of black over red Austin Healey 100-Six BN4 (first series) parked on the drive of a country estate.
Production Period August 1956-late 1957
Body Style Restyled 2+2-seater roadster
Engine 6-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,639 cc
Carburetors Two SU H4 1.5" sidedraft
Horsepower 102 bhp (early small-port) @ 4,600 rpm
Torque 142 lb/ft @ 2,400 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,422 lb
Top Speed 105 mph
Zero - 60 12.2 sec
Other Later models within this series were fitted with a 12-port cylinder head and twin 1¾-inch SU carburetors, increasing output to approximately 117 bhp at 5,000 rpm
Competition Successes
1957 BN4 First Series Competition Results
Year Event Result
1957 Mille Miglia 1st in class 🥇 37th overall (drivers: Tommy Wisdom & Cecil Winby)
1957 12 Hours of Sebring 2nd in class 🥈 (modified BN4 with Weber carburetors)
1957 SCCA National Races Class wins by Dick Thompson in BN4
Austin Healey 100-Six BN4 (Second Series)
Illustration of cream over dark Austin Healey 100-Six BN4 (second series) driving beside a stone garden wall in countryside.
Production Period Late 1957-June 1959
Body Style Restyled 2+2-seater roadster
Engine 6-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,639 cc
Carburetors Two SU HD6 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 117 bhp (12-port head, larger SUs) @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 149 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,422 lb
Top Speed 109 mph
Zero - 60 10.4 sec
Other These models were equipped with a 12-port cylinder head and twin 1¾-inch SU carburetors, producing approximately 117 bhp at 5,000 rpm.
Competition Successes
1958 BN4 Second Series Competition Results
Year Event Result
1958 SCCA National Races Class wins by Dick Thompson in BN4 🏆
1958 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally Class podiums for BN4 entries
1958 Coupe des Alpes Class podiums for BN4 entries
Austin Healey 100-Six BN6
Illustration of light blue Austin Healey 100-Six BN6 roadster cruising a village street in sunshine.
Production Period Late 1957-June 1959 (2-seat)
Body Style Restyled 2/4-seater roadster - Later available only as 2-seater
Engine 6-cylinder 2,639 cc
Carburetors Two SU HD6 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 117 bhp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 142 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front and rear
Weight 2,422 lb
Top Speed 109 mph
Zero - 60 10.4 sec
Other Open two-seater
Competition Successes
1958 BN6 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1958 SCCA National Races Class wins by Dick Thompson in BN6 🏆
1958 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally Class podiums for BN6 entries
1958 Coupe des Alpes Class podiums for BN6 entries

3000 - BN7, BT7, BJ7 & BJ8

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Austin Healey 3000 MK1 BN7
Illustration of yellow Austin Healey 3000 BN7 two-seater roadster on an autumn village lane.
Production Period July 1959-April 1961
Body Style Two-seat roadster
Engine 6-cylinder 2,912 cc inline (C-Series)
Carburetors Two SU HD6 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 124 bhp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque 162 lb/ft @ 2,700 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,375 lb
Top Speed 112.5 mph
Zero - 60 9.8 sec
Other Open two-seater with optional extras including overdrive, wire wheels, and hardtop
Competition Successes
1960 MK1 BN7 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1960 Liège-Rome-Liège (98-hour marathon) 1st overall (Pat Moss / Ann Wisdom, car URX 747) 🥇
1960 Alpine Rally (Coupe des Alpes) 1st overall, outright Coupe des Alpes trophy 🥇
Austin Healey 3000 MK1 BT7
Illustration of bright red Austin Healey 3000 BT7 2+2 roadster driving past cottages near the coast in morning light.
Production Period July 1959-April 1961
Body Style 2+2-seater roadster
Engine 6-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,912 cc
Carburetors Two SU HD6 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 124 bhp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque 162 lb/ft @ 2,700 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,375 lb
Top Speed 112.5 mph
Zero - 60 9.8 sec
Other 2+2 seating configuration with optional extras including overdrive, wire wheels, and hardtop
Competition Successes
1961 MK1 BT7 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1961 Liège-Sofia-Liège* preparatory rallies Multiple class podiums (works BT7s) 🏁
Austin Healey 3000 MK2 BN7
Illustration of two-tone blue/red Austin Healey 3000 Mark II BN7 roadster parked on a grassy bluff above the sea.
Production Period May 1961-March 1962
Body Style Two-seat roadster
Engine 6-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,912 cc
Carburetors Three SU HS4 1.5" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 132 bhp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 167 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,375 lb
Top Speed 116 mph
Zero - 60 9.8 sec
Other Open two-seater; only 355 units produced, making it one of the rarest Big Healeys
Competition Successes
1962 MK2 BN7 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1962 Spa-Sofia-Liège 2nd overall (Pat Moss / E. Carlsson) 🥈
Austin Healey 3000 Mark II BT7
Austin Healey 3000 Mark 2 BT7
Production Period May 1961-March 1962
Body Style 2+2-seat roadster
Engine 6-cylinder push-rod OHV engine: 2,912 cc
Carburetors Three SU HS4 1.5" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 132 bhp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 167 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,375 lb
Top Speed 116 mph
Zero - 60 10.9 sec
Other 2+2 seating configuration; optional extras included overdrive, wire wheels, and hardtop
Competition Successes
1961 MK2 BT7 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1961 Liège-Sofia-Liège* preparatory rallies Multiple class podiums (works BT7s) 🏁
Austin Healey 3000 Mark II BJ7
Illustration of cream Austin Healey 3000 Mark II BJ7 with black hood driving a dusk country lane, headlamps lit.
Production Period March 1962-1964
Body Style 2+2-seat convertible
Engine 6-cylinder 2,912 cc
Carburetors Two SU HS6 1.75" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 131 @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 158 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,380 lb
Top Speed 115 mph
Zero - 60 11.2 sec
Other Wind-up windows, wrap around windscreen and convertible hood
Competition Successes
1963 MK2 BJ7 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1963 RAC Rally (GB) GT winner, 3rd overall 🥉
Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8
Austin Healey 3000 Mark 2 BJ7
Production Period From 1964-December 1967
Body Style 2+2-seat convertible
Engine 6-cylinder 2,912 cc
Carburetors Twin SU HS8 2" semi-downdraft
Horsepower 150 @ 5,250 rpm
Torque 173 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission Four forward gears with overdrive available on 3rd and 4th
Brakes Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Weight 2,390 lb
Top Speed 121 mph
Zero - 60 9.8 sec
Other Wind-up windows, wrap-around windscreen, convertible hood, restyled interior, revised exhaust system
Competition Successes
1964-1965 MK3 BJ8 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1964 Spa-Sofia-Liège GT class win, 4th overall (works BJ8)
1965 RAC Rally Class win (over-3 L GT) 🏆

Sprite MK1 to MK4

Sprite vs Midget Chassis Prefixes

AN / HAN = Austin-Healey Sprite (e.g. HAN6, HAN8).

GAN = MG Midget (e.g. GAN1, GAN3).

Match parts by the first three letters + number break. See chassis ranges in the tables below.

Need help? Contact AH Spares with your chassis number.

VIN vehicle identification number car number Sprite Midget HAN GAN chassis ID

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Sprite Mk 1 AN5-501 – AN5-49584 | No MG
Artistic rendering of an Austin Healey Sprite MK1 Frogeye parked outside a traditional cafe in the late 1950s
Production Period May 1958-May 1961
Body Style Two-seater roadster
Engine BMC A series 948cc inline 4-cylinder
Carburetors Twin SU H1 11⁄8" carbs
Horsepower 43-45 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque 52 lb/ft @ 3,000-3,300 rpm
Transmission 4-speed manual with synchro available on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
Brakes Drum brakes front & rear
Weight 1382 lb
Top Speed 83 mph
Zero - 60 20 sec
Other
  • One-piece bonnet and front wings hinged at the rear
  • No external boot access; luggage compartment accessed from behind the seats
  • Detachable side screens
  • Simple, minimalist interior
Competition Successes
Sprite MK1 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1958 Alpine Rally Class win (John Sprinzel & Willy Cave)
1959 Sebring 12 Hours 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in class 🏆
1959 Monte Carlo Rally 5th in class (Tommy Wisdom)
1959 Sestriere Rally 1st in class (Tommy Wisdom) 🥇
1959 Alpine Rally 2nd in class (Tommy Wisdom)
1960 Sebring 12 Hours Class win
1960 Sebring 4-Hour GT Race 2nd overall, class win (Stirling Moss)
1961 Sebring 4-Hour GT Race Multiple top-8 finishes
1961 Sebring 12 Hours 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in 1150cc class
Sprite Mk 2 HAN6-101 – HAN7-38828 | Midget Mk 1 GAN1-101 – GAN2-25787
Artistic rendering of a blue Austin Healey Sprite MK2 Midget at a seaside holiday spot in the 1960s
Production Period May 1961-March 1964
Body Style Two-seater roadster
Engine BMC A series 948cc 4-cylinder inline
Carburetors Twin SU HS2 carbs
Horsepower 46-50 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque 53 lb/ft @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission 4-speed manual; synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears
Brakes Drum brakes front & rear (front disc brakes introduced in 1962 with the 1098 cc engine)
Weight 1543 lb
Top Speed 85 mph
Zero - 60 19.8 sec
Other
  • Restyled body with conventional bonnet and exterior boot lid
  • From 1962, HAN7 introduced the 1098cc + front discs
Competition Successes
Sprite MK2 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1964 SCCA National Championship Runoffs (H Production) 1st place (Fred Salo) 🥇
1964 SCCA National Championship Runoffs (H Production) 2nd place (Gilbert Page)
Sprite Mk 3 HAN8-38829 – HAN8-64734 | Midget Mk 2 GAN3-25788 – GAN3-52389
Artistic rendering of an Austin Healey Sprite MK3 Midget parked on a cobblestone road in an English village in the 1960s
Production Period May 1964-September 1966
Body Style Two-seater roadster
Engine BMC A-series 1098cc 4-cylinder inline
Carburetors Twin SU HS2 carbs
Horsepower 59 bhp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque 62 lb/ft @ 3,250 rpm
Transmission 4-speed manual with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears
Brakes Disc brakes front, Drum brakes rear
Weight 1,574 lb
Top Speed 92 mph
Zero - 60 14.7 sec
Other
  • Wind-up side windows replacing the earlier sidescreens
  • Larger, curved-glass windscreen with hinged quarter-lights
  • Rear suspension updated from quarter-elliptic to semi-elliptic leaf springs for improved ride comfort
Competition Successes
Sprite MK2 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1965 SCCA National Championship Runoffs (G Production) 2nd place (Rick Hilgers) 🥈
1965 SCCA National Championship Runoffs (G Production) 5th place (Fred Darling)
Sprite Mk 4 HAN9-64735 – HAN10-86802 | Midget Mk 3 GAN4-52390 – GAN5-74885
Artistic rendering of a yellow Austin Healey Sprite MK4 Midget driving along an English country road
Production Period October 1966-1969 (Sprite name dropped in UK)
Body Style Two-seater roadster
Engine BMC A-series 1,275cc inline 4-cylinder
Carburetors Twin SU HS2 carbs
Horsepower 65 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 72 lb/ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission 4-speed manual with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears
Brakes Disc brakes front, Drum brakes rear
Weight 1,574 lb
Top Speed 94 mph
Zero - 60 14.6 sec
Other
  • Folding hood
  • Diaphragm clutch
  • Separate clutch and brake master cylinders
  • Larger engine compared to previous models
  • Adopted the Midget-style wind-up windows
Competition Successes
Sprite MK2 Competition Results
Year Event Result
1965 24 Hours of Le Mans 12th overall, 1st in class (Paul Hawkins & John Rhodes)
1965 24 Hours of Le Mans Class win 🏆

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you're unsure which model you have or which parts fit, start here. These answers cover the most common Austin Healey & Sprite/Midget identification questions.

What do the HAN and GAN chassis prefixes mean?

HAN (and earlier AN) prefixes identify Austin-Healey Sprite chassis numbers. GAN prefixes identify MG Midget chassis numbers. Match the prefix first, then use the numeric range to pinpoint your exact model year/spec. See the Sprite vs Midget Prefix Guide above for quick ranges.

Where can I find my chassis (car) number plate?

Locations vary by era. Common spots:

  • Firewall/bulkhead plate in the engine bay (most Sprites & Midgets).
  • Inner wheel arch or door jamb tags on some later cars.
  • Stamped numbers on body reinforcements (verify against paperwork).

If your plate is missing or unreadable, photograph any stamped numbers and contact AH Spares—we can help decode.

Which MG Midget model corresponds to my Sprite Mk?

Factory development ran in parallel. As a shorthand when selecting parts:

  • Sprite Mk1 (AN5) – no direct MG Midget equivalent.
  • Sprite Mk2 (HAN6/HAN7) ≈ Midget Mk1 (GAN1/GAN2).
  • Sprite Mk3 (HAN8) ≈ Midget Mk2 (GAN3).
  • Sprite Mk4 (HAN9/HAN10) ≈ Midget Mk3 (GAN4/GAN5 1275).

Always confirm by chassis number range; running changes occurred mid-series.

My car has been modified—how do I order the right parts?

Use the chassis prefix/range as a starting point, then confirm the specific component (engine size, brake type, rear spring style, carburettor size). Many Spridgets have engine swaps or disc brake conversions. When in doubt, send us clear photos and any casting numbers and we’ll cross-check before you order.

Are the performance figures shown factory or typical?

Figures shown in the spec tables are period-quoted factory or contemporary road-test numbers for standard specification vehicles. Real-world results vary with state of tune, gearing, tyres, altitude, and fuel. Use them as historical benchmarks rather than current guarantees.

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