1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1 Registration Number: JVS 548 C...

Hammer

£35,715

1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1

Registration Number: JVS 548
Chassis Number: BN1/222319
Recorded Mileage: 7,000 miles

UK delivered in RHD specification, 4 owners from new
Former property of 1950s racer Gordon Stratton
Older full restoration, reskinned in lightweight aluminium
Matching numbers engine and chassis

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 222319 was supplied new to a Mr. Stan Davies of Inverness in December 1954, finished in Spruce Green with a Green hood and trim, and with the options of a heater, laminated screen and wire wheels.

The first owner kept his Healey for over 25 years before it was acquired in 1980 by Mr. Gordon Stratton for restoration. Gordon Stratton had successfully raced a 100/4 in the 1950s at SIlverstone and Oulton Park. Inspired by his former racing Healey, he commenced a painstaking ground up restoration of this car. During the restoration the Healey was reskinned in lightweight aluminium and finished in his preferred racing colour of Colorado Red, with the seats being retrimmed in Connolly leather. The major mechanical components were either overhauled or replaced, as detailed in the history file. 

The restoration was completed in around 1990 and since then the Healey has completed just over 7,000 miles. Under 1,000 miles ago in 2012 the Healey benefitted from various remedial works to the engine, brakes and suspension, at a cost of c. £1200.

The history file contains a detailed photographic record of the previous restoration, older records of ownership and restoration, owner’s handbook, current and older V5 registration documents, older MoT certificates and invoices for maintenance.

It is increasingly difficult to find an original early RHD Austin-Healey with such low ownership. This well presented example has an interesting history and is ready to be enjoyed once more.