1955 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/4 Registration Number: 369 EME  Chas...

Estimate

£33,000 - £38,000

1955 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/4

Registration Number: 369 EME 
Chassis Number: BN1/223234
Recorded Mileage: c.76,000 miles

- UK delivered in RHD specification
- Four private owners from new, two since 1971
- Matching numbers example

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.

According to the British Heritage Certificate on file, chassis 223234 rolled off the production line on 18th January 1955, finished in Old English White with a Red hood and trim, and with the options of a heater, laminated screen and wire wheels. The new Healey was first assigned the Middlesex registration 369 EME which it wears to this day, to be first registered to dealer Tankard & Smith of North London. By the 1960s the Healey resided in South London, notably staying with Mr. Derek Buck of West Norwood (latterly Somerset) for 35 years, passing ownership to our current vendor in 2006. 

Looking through the file we can see earlier service history from the 1950s to the 1970 and into the previous ownership. At this point, due to a damaged nearside front wing, a new front wing and replacement sill panels were fitted, and the colour changed to a racier shade of Carmine Red. Further improvements include an aluminium cylinder head, electronic ignition, a stainless steel exhaust system and aluminium drum brakes. We understand the chassis of the car is in straight and undamaged condition.

Known to our current vendor for over 30 years, it is difficult to find an original early RHD Austin-Healey with such low ownership and good provenance. This well presented example has an interesting history, and is ready to be enjoyed over the coming summer months.