1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1 Registration Number: MUS 403 C...

Hammer

£15,000

1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1

Registration Number: MUS 403
Chassis Number: BN1/156426
Recorded Mileage: 77,806 miles

- UK delivered in RHD specification
- In current family ownership since 1962
- Stored off the road since 1974 awaiting full restoration

In 1951, when the established range of Healey cars was selling steadily but out of the price range of most enthusiasts, Donald Healey realised there was a market for a relatively low-priced but high performance sports car. A readily available, reliable and tuneable engine was required and BMC agreed to supply the 2,660cc four cylinder unit from its Austin A90 model, together with Austin’s three-speed with overdrive gearbox.

For the chassis of the new car Healey and his son Geoffrey designed a simple but torsionally strong ladder frame using the A90’s independent coil spring/wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle located by Panhard rod, with drum brakes all round. Finally, an attractive, open two seater body was penned by Gerry Coker, the final rendition of which incorporated some last minute changes by Donald Healey himself.

The result, launched to a surprised public at the 1952 London Motor Show, caused a sensation and met with immediate approval from press and enthusiasts alike. It looked superb with performance to match; producing 94bhp at 4,000rpm, it could achieve 111mph with the windscreen folded flat and 0-60mph acceleration in 10.3 seconds.

Called simply the Healey 100, the new car also caught the attention of BMC supremo Leonard Lord who at once struck an agreement with Healey to market the car as the Austin Healey 100. Production began in May 1953 and it wasn’t long before the model was selling like hot cakes and featuring strongly in production racing on both sides of the Atlantic.

This early 100-4 was first registered in May of 1954, finished in Ice Blue Metallic with complimenting dark blue leather trim. A locally owned car, MUS 403 was acquired in 1962 by the May family from its previous owner in Hampstead, London. Gifted from his father in the summer of 1964, the young owner enjoyed the Healey for a number of years, during which he met his wife-to-be. The Healey was taken on the newlywed’s honeymoon, and enjoyed for a number of years before being parked up in 1974 awaiting a restoration, which ultimately never commenced.

Offered sadly due to the passing of its owner,, this untouched Healey is a prime candidate for full restoration.

MUS 403 is supplied with a buff continuation log book, last MoT and insurance certificates from 1973 and tax disc to December 1974.