Austin Healey 100-4 BN1

Austin Healey was a collaboration between Donald Healy and Leonard Lord, Managing Director of the Austin Motorworks. The 100 was introduced at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1952. Five different models make up the 100 series; BN1, BN2, 100M, 100S and 100-6. The model designation of 100 was due to the fact the car could hit and even exceed 100mph. In fact, The Motor magazine tested a BN1 in 1953 and hit a top speed of 106mph. The “B” and “N” had meaning also; The “B” was for the engine size (between 2000cc and 3000cc) and the “N” was the body style (2-seat and open top).

Actual engine size is 2660cc and it produces 94hp. This was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Drum brakes are on all four corners. Front suspension is independent with coil springs and the rear suspension uses a rigid axle with semi elliptic leaf springs.

The car in the Mathews Collection is a 1954 100-4 BN1. It has just finished a complete restoration and is simply beautiful. In total only slightly more than 10,000 examples of the BN1 were produced between May of 1953 and the time the BN2 was introduced in the fall of 1955. The BN2 was similar but featured upgraded brakes and a new 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive.