1953 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 ‘Cape Works’ Fast Road

Chris and Dan Everard are third generation Austin-Healey specialists. Their father, Jon, established JME Healeys in 1978 and since then, JME have led the way in Austin-Healey restoration and competition preparation. The family’s passion for and commitment to the marque is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that in 2008 they chose to buy the now virtually derelict original Cape Works and restore the buildings with the same amount of attention to detail that they lavish on their 'Big Healey' restorations.

The concept for this ‘Cape Works’ restoration was straightforward: produce a Healey that was true to the spirit of the original Hundred that delivered race-car performance with road-going reliability. A tribute to the early aluminium-bodied cars styled by Gerry Coker, the JME car combines modern engineering and historic looks with exceptional attention to detail.

The build of this example commenced in 2017 and completed in 2019 with a specification that included:

• All-new chassis and inner structure by DH Panels, uprated sills, 100S-style bulkhead bracing, and BN2 rear gearbox mounting
• Front and rear suspension uprated with SuperPro bushes, stiffer dampers, new springs and anti-roll bar
• Disc front brakes (Dunlop) and Alfin rear drums
• 4-stud rebuilt rear axle with rebuilt differential
• Rebuilt BN2 gearbox with competition-spec overdrive and heavy-duty BJ8 clutch
• 4-cylinder engine uprated with steel crank and rods, forged 88mm pistons, 100S camshaft, race-spec alloy head, and lightened flywheel
• Electronic 123 ignition, Magnecor leads, and Dynator alternator conversion
• Aluminium wings, louvred bonnet and boot lid, steel doors; bumper delete with smoothed rear shroud
• Black leather 100S-style slotted seats, body-colour dash with silver oval, Karvel carpets, Dynamat insulation
• Side-exit tubular exhaust, 15” 72-spoke wheels in black with Avon CR6ZZ tyres
• Supplied with owner’s manual and V5C, MOT valid to March 2026

Beautifully presented, this Healey remains in left-hand drive and is finished in an understated metallic blue with black leather seats featuring competition detailing throughout and sitting on 72-spoke chrome plated wire wheels. Offered from a private collector, this unique Healey represents a rare opportunity to acquire a virtually new 'Hundred' expertly prepared by a company whose name is synonymous with the marque, assembled with the best components, and the benefit of over 40 years’ expertise.

Since the build, it has covered just under 500 miles in dry use only and therefore has been shaken down, proven to be ‘on its toes’ and ready for whatever the next custodian has planned – it is of course ideally suited to many of the prestigious UK and European rallies that accept sports cars from this era, would be very welcome on any show field, anywhere, or perhaps just enjoyed as intended on open roads on sunny days.