1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 FIA HTP

**Saleroom Notice** Spare parts are included with this vehicle and are available for collection from a storage facility in Warwick, a few miles away from the auction venue, on Monday 23rd February or a later date by prior arrangement.

Donald Healey's eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals and sporting a notably sleek body designed by Gerry Coker and built by Tickford. It was dubbed the 'Healey Hundred' (a moniker chosen to reflect the car's ability to reach the magic 100mph), and, subject to a suitably encouraging response, Healey planned to build production versions in-house at his factory in Warwick. As things transpired, not only did the Ice Blue prototype more than impress the public, but it also so excited Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge which became known as the Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1). 

The 100/4's chassis was a departure from the company's previous backbone designs and comprised a pair of three-inch square box-section side members running the length of the car, some 17 inches apart. These were braced by parallel and cruciform cross-members to which the steel floor pressings were attached. After the first 25 cars had been constructed at Healey's own premises in Warwick, the production of the mainstream bodyshells was turned over to Jensen. Once complete, the shells were transported to Longbridge, where the Healeys were assembled alongside the A90.

Introduced in 1955, the second generation of the Healey 100/4, the BN2, offered several updates over its BN1 predecessor, including a proper 4-speed gearbox and subtle styling changes to the wheel arches whilst still retaining the 90bhp, 2,660cc four-cylinder, push-rod OHV engine. Few British sports cars carry the competition credibility of the Austin-Healey 100, and fewer still are presented in genuinely front-line historic specification. This 1955 BN2L (left-hand drive) represents exactly that — a professionally prepared and highly eligible entry into the upper tiers of historic motorsport.

It has been subject to a full body-off restoration/race preparation by MRM Motorsports to a very high standard including numerous Jeremy Welch race components, underlining the quality and intent of the build, and is accompanied by a current FIA HTP, ensuring eligibility for a wide variety of leading international historic race series and tours.

Sitting on competition-ready wire wheels, the Healey is finished in Old English White with a striking interior in Tartan Red leather and remains in excellent condition. As with any competition car, it's best to establish the currency and suitability of any safety-related equipment (cage, seats, harnesses, fuel tank etc.). We understand that the car has recently benefitted from an engine and gearbox service with a brake inspection.

Crucially, this Healey offers true versatility. Fully competition prepared yet retaining road registration, it is equally suited to circuit racing, historic tours or fast road events on both sides of the Channel, making it an ideal choice for the enthusiast seeking one car to unlock multiple experiences. It's been a regular entrant in the Woodcote Trophy race, run by Motor Racing Legends, other highlights include the Portimao and the Silverstone Pall Mall Cup events, and we understand that it is potentially Mille Miglia eligible.

When one considers the cost, time and expertise required to replicate such a build today, this BN2 represents simply superb value for money, offering access to some of the very best historic motorsport available. We invite and encourage your close inspection at Race Retro, where the quality and attention to detail can be fully appreciated.