1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1

 DVCA is very pleased to offer this 100/4 BN1 from 1954. An original right hand drive export model (to Larke Hoskins Limited of Sydney, Australia), the 100/4 successfully competed with Bernie Huynen (“Mr Healey” of Australia). Mr Huynen enjoyed the sporting car as he toured Australia, participating in race meets, rallies and competitions, and then took it to New Zealand in the early 1980s, which is where the current custodian, a Navy helicopter pilot, purchased the sporting car in 1991. The Healey was repatriated to the UK in 1993 and has remained in the same ownership ever since. It has been used for classic tours, and trips to the 24 Heures Le Mans and Classic Le Mans.

The sporting car has been clearly well maintained during the current ownership, as evidenced in the numerous invoices dating back to 1993 contained within the history file. As well as regular maintenance, a part-floor / sill panel restoration and mechanical overhaul was carried out in 2012 to the cost of £3500 and the following year, £3600 was spent, again on mechanical work including a carburettor overhaul. In addition, the gearbox, overdrive, differential, propshaft, steering and braking system have also been overhauled. Further attention was paid to the carburettors in 2019.

In the last couple of years, the vendor has had little time to enjoy the Healey and so has made the very reluctant decision to sell. It has been laid up for some time in dry garage storage but the vendor has carried out a recommissioning service before the auction sale. We understand that the fuel pump requires replacement and the brakes would benefit from dismantling and checking. In terms of its cosmetic condition, the red upholstery is original, the rear of the seats could be retrimmed and the carpets replaced. The hood and tonneau could be improved. The body and panel work and underside are all good. The paintwork is described as fair, with a few chips and some crazing on the bonnet, and is probably the subject of an older respray. Non standard accessories include a Kenlow fan, auxiliary lamps, a Maniflow exhaust, a lead free cylinder head (the original is supplied) and 1 ¾ inch carburettors. The 72 spoke wire wheels fitted are described as being in good order but the original 48 spoke set will be included in the sale. The brightwork as a whole may require some work, the rear bumper is included in the sale but not currently fitted.  

This history file contains many MOT test certificates dating from 1993, numerous invoices from the current ownership, documentation from the motor car’s time in New Zealand, a reprint A-H parts list, several modern spare parts books, a reprint manual, a Haynes SU manual, DVLA correspondence, import information from 1993, a BMIHT dating certificate, three Australian registration documents from 1978, a photograph of the Healey competing, a Wellington registration document from 1982, a V5 document and the V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 20 June 2024