Lot 034: 1954 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100

Arguably the purest incarnation of the 'Big Healey', the 100/4 (BN1) entered production in 1953. Blessed with a body that would not have looked out of place on a period Ferrari or Maserati barchetta, the notably rigid Donald Healey designed box-section chassis (complete with underslung rear axle) that underpinned it was equipped with independent front suspension and all round Girling hydraulic drum brakes. Offering a level of performance that few rivals could match, it was powered by a wonderfully torquey 2660cc four-cylinder engine mated to three-speed plus overdrive gearbox (giving five forward speeds in total). Justifiably praised by the contemporary press for its poise and handling, the 100/4 remains one of the all time great British sportscars. Supplied new by J. Law (Automobiles) Ltd of 51 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, this particular 'home market' example was built on 29th January 1954 and first registered with the number 'OOL 83' on 26th February 1954. Reportedly the subject of "a six-year chassis up restoration" by a previous owner (albeit with some specialist assistance on occasion), it is said to have covered only a modest mileage since work was completed. Variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (engine, gearbox) condition, 'OOL 83' has just benefited from a trip to Denis Welch Motorsport where it received a brake overhaul and general tune-up at a cost of some £1,191.37. Finished in red with black leather upholstery (piped in red), this well presented Big Healey is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until February 28th 2008 and historic class (free) road tax until March 2008.