West Coast Classics are proud to present this 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN1 Roadster which are considered the definitive "first" of the "Big Healeys," and celebrated for their pure design and lightweight agility.
Built September 10, 1954Chassis No. BN1-L/219223
Body No. 5164
2660cc inline 4-cylinder engine
Dual carburetors
3-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Smiths instrumentation
Factory heater option, Laminated windscreen, Miles per Hour speedometer
Finished in factory-correct Carmine Red paint
Black upholstery with Red piping and Black carpets
15-inch knock-off wire wheels
Front and rear bumper guards
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
What began as a joint venture between Donald Healey and the British Motor Corporation (BMC) to bridge the market gap between the affordable MG and the high-end Jaguar was destined to become one of Englands truly iconic sport cars!
The car was to be named "100" because it was the first Healey capable of breaking the 100 mph barrier and in 1953 the 100-4 set multiple land speed and endurance records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, cementing its performance reputation in the American market.
The BN1 models were produced between May 1953 and August 1955 before being replaced by the BN2.
Technical Specifications
Engine: 2,660 cc (2.7L) Inline 4-cylinder OHV engine, adapted from the Austin A90.
Performance:
Horsepower: 90 bhp @ 4,000 rpm.
Torque: 144 ft-lbs @ 2,000 rpm.
Top Speed: 106 mph (standard); up to 111 mph with the windshield folded down for aerodynamics.
Acceleration: 060 mph in approximately 11.2 seconds.
Transmission: A unique 3-speed manual with overdrive on the top two gears. (Note: Technically a modified 4-speed where 1st was often blocked out due to the engine?s high torque).
Braking & Suspension: Girling 11-inch drum brakes all round; independent front suspension with coil springs and a rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Key Features
Folding Windshield: One of its most iconic features, allowing the driver to lay the screen flat for improved aerodynamics.
Construction: Aluminum and steel body panels over a steel frame.
Optional "Le Mans" Kit: Many owners retrofitted their cars with "M" specifications, which included larger SU H6 carburetors, high-compression pistons, and a louvered bonnet.
The next generation model was the BN-2 fitted with a 4 speed manual transmission and still with overdrive on the top two gears. Other features that distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint.
By January 1956 production was running at 200 cars each month and sales in California 150 cars each month with the final BN2 built in July 1956.
The high-performance 100M model was introduced in 1955 with larger carburettors, a cold air box to increase engine air flow, high-lift camshaft and 8.1:1 compression pistons and it produced 110 bhp at 4500 rpm. With a stiffened front suspension and the hood louvres to distinguish it, along with a leather hood belt. Most of the 100Ms were finished with a two-tone paint scheme, in all, only 640 100Ms were built by the factory.
The 100M components (including the high compression pistons) were also made available as the Le Mans Engine Modification Kit, which could be retrofitted and installed in either a BN1 or BN2 with the engine in situ, improving the power output to approximately 100 bhp at 4500 rpm. The kit could be ordered from BMC, allowing private owners to make their own modifications, but these are not as valuable as any of the original 640 factory 100M?s. Only the factory-registered chassis identification numbers can distinguish the actual factory built originals from retrofitted models.
Finally and built primarily for racing, the aluminium-bodied "100S" (for Sebring) model developed a phenomenal for its day 132 bhp at 4700 rpm! Five works development/special test cars carrying the "SPL" chassis number prefix were developed during 1953 and 1954, with one winning its class at Sebring in 1954 and prompting the "S" designation. Only 50 production 100S cars were made, hand built in Warwick and delivered between February - November 1955 and carrying the "AHS" chassis number prefix.
To minimize weight and improve performance the cast iron cylinder head was replaced by a Weslake designed aluminium one, and the overdrive unit was not installed. Dunlop disc brakes were used all-round, the world's first production car to feature them both front and rear. To further lighten the vehicle, bumpers and hood (convertible top) were eliminated, the grille reduced in size, and the windscreen made of plastic. In all, weight was reduced by approximately 200 lb. The majority of 100Ss were two-toned white with Lobelia Blue sides. A handful were produced in solid Spruce Green and red, and a single one in black.