Lot 47: Austin-Healey 100

Dominating the 1952 Earl's Court Motor Show, the 'Healey Hundred' drew crowds like a magnet. Penned by Gerry Coker, its low-slung stance, swooping lines and fold flat 'racing' windscreen screamed sports car. Conscious that there was a gap in the export market between Jaguar's XK range and the MG T-series, BMC supremo, Leonard Lord immediately propositioned Donald Healey as to a joint venture. A facsimile of the show car, the resultant Austin-Healey 100 sat atop a rigid box-section chassis equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a `live' rear axle and all round drum brakes. Powered by the Austin A90 Atlantic 2660cc engine developing some 90bhp and 144lbft of torque, it offered strong acceleration and a 110mph top speed. As part of his tireless publicity campaign to promote the newcomer, Donald Healey entered a team of four pre-production cars for the 1953 Le Mans 24-hour race. Running with standard windscreens, interiors and even bumpers, two of this mildly tweaked quartet survived to finish 12th and 14th overall (an amazing result for such a comparatively inexpensive model in near stock condition). A notably early left-hand drive example dating from the period before production at Longbridge had been properly finalised, car number BN1L/150288 was supplied new to California. Repatriated from The Golden State several decades later, the two-seater was entrusted to renowned specialist J.M.E. Healeys with instructions that it should be given a `chassis up, nut and bolt' restoration. Carried out over a number of years, the refurbishment process saw attention paid to the car's chassis, bodywork (including alloy outer panels), electrical equipment, drivetrain, paint and trim etc. A testament to the standard achieved, the BN1 was chosen by J.M.E. to grace one of its own show stands. Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, `215 XUL' has covered less than 200 kilometres since work was completed. Interest in early Austin-Healey 100s has increased significantly of late with a particular focus on the 1953 cars. Offered for sale at less than the cost of its restoration, `215 XUL' is worthy of close inspection.