This vehicle is for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Footman James NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham on Saturday 17th November 2012. Viewing is available on Friday 16th November, or on the morning of the sale day. Tickets should be purchased in advance through Silverstone Auctions, or the show organisers. Please call Will Smith on +44 7809 430 111 or +44 1926 691 141 for further details.

Registration: RGH 667

Chassis Number: BN1 224923

Engine Number: Not Specified

Number of cylinders: 4

CC: 2667cc

Year of Manufacture: 1955

Estimate (£): 35,000 - 40,000

The Austin Healey became one of the best known British classic cars of the 1950s and 1960s following their spectacular success in international rallying and on the race track. The BN1 was built between 1953 until 1956 and was equipped with an Austin A90, 2660 cc, four cylinder engine, which gave 94 bhp and a top speed of over 100 mph.

By the time the BN2 was released in 1955, the Austin Healey 100S, which had a limited production run of just 55 racing cars, was becoming well known for its ability at both rallying and racing. This led to the production of the Le Mans 100M iation of the BN2 and this Le Mans specification kit was available with the BN2 but it was also popular with BN1 owners. The engine power was increased from 90 bhp to either 100 or 110 bhp, depending on the camshaft fitted. The Le Mans kits also had bigger carburettors and changes were made to the distributor, valve springs and a stiffened front anti roll bar was added.

This 1954 Austin Healey BN1 is a home market delivered 100/4 that has been restored from the ground up over a 6 year period. The last owner bought the car as a gift for his daughter and it was taken off the road in 1972 and dry stored until the vendor discovered it. Over the last 6 years many thousands of pounds have been spent on the car. The chassis was shot blasted to bare metal and then rebuilt to include new sills, floors (including the boot) and cross member. The work was undertaken by JME Healey in 2008. The body was finished and painted by Classic Coachwork of Peterborough in Old English White with central stripe in blue.

The engine was rebuilt including a Dennis Welch Cylinder Head plus a lightened and balanced crank which incorporating modern oil seals. The SU Carbs were overhauled and a modern washable air filter was fitted. The exhaust system has a Dennis Welch 3 branch manifold with side-outlet silencer.

In addition, the gearbox was upgraded to a BN2 4-speed and rebuilt by Hardy Engineering using a Dennis Welch BN2 bell-housing and clutch lever kit. The brakes have had a front disc conversion and the rear drums have been refurbished. The original front drums are available with the car.

This most desirable and early Healey is presented in excellent condition and will offer its new owner the opportunity to jump in and drive one of the most iconic British sports cars of all time. Unquestionably, there are very few original right-hand drive BN1 Healeys in existence and this car offers fantastic value for money.