Austin Healey 100 Sports Car

Austin Healey 100-4

The Austin-Healey 100-4 was designed by Domald Healey and built between 1953 and 1956 by Jensen Motors for the British Motor Corporation. It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's company but the design impressed BMC so much that the firm decided to build it themselves. 14,634 cars were produced.

The "100" name comes from Donald Healey, who named it after the fact that this was one of the few cars of the era which could maintain 100 mph (160 km/h).

The first 100s ("BN1"), were equipped with 2660cc, 90 hp engines and manual 3 speed transmission with overdrive on second and top. A BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.2 seconds.

In 1955 the BN2 came with a 4-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive. 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.

Also, a "100 M" (for Modified) package was developed with twin 1 3/4" SU carbs and 110 hp on tap. 1159 were made. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvres, along with a bonnet belt.

55 aluminium-bodied "100S" (for Sebring) models with 132 hp engines were produced. The 100S was the first production car in the world to have disc brakes at both the front and rear. 37 100S models are believed to have survived.

Austin Healey 100 4 Video of the Day

1954 Austin Healey 100-4

Austin Healey 100 4 For Sale

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