Message from the seller

The Healey 100 debuted at the Earl's Court Motor Show in October of 1952 with a price of. On the day before the show opened, the head of the Austin Motor Company told Healey that he wanted the car to be built by Austin. He argued that Healey could only manage 20 or so cars a week, whereas Austin could produce 200. Healey agreed, his car was quickly rebadged "Austin-Healey," and his asking price was £750. When automobile magazines got the chance to drive the new Austin-Healey, praise was generous, tempered with comments on what we now call "character." Road & Track editors "were unanimous in rating the 100 as the best allround handling car encountered this year," In 1953, Austin-Healey made waves in the sports car world when two of their factory-specification cars clinched 2nd and 3rd place in class at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, even surpassing many purpose-built competitors to secure 12th and 14th place overall. The impressive performance of these cars sparked a surge in demand from customers eager to enhance their own vehicles to match the Le Mans entrants. This particular Austin Healey 100-4 is a 2 owner car: -It was purchased by Dr. Charles Riester and transported to his home in Atlanta, GA. He removed the convertible top and hung it on the garage wall until 1982, when purchased by the second owner. Robert Wilson, of Downers Grove, IL who was a long-time engineer, enthusiast, mechanic, and collector specializing in British, antique, and special interest cars, purchased the car from Dr. Reister, in 1982. It was kept in his private collection until April of 2024, when it was purchased by Northshore Sportscars of Lake Bluff, IL. The car has been recently serviced and is in excellent driving condition. -It was the first to have the U.S. mandated rear reflectors -The engine block was painted red for the NY show as cars were prepped by MG. -Three speed manual transmission with overdrive -Finished in two-tone black and silver with a red accent line -Interior upholstered in red leather with a matching red folding soft top, tonneau, and side curtains -Accompanied by a rarely seen and highly desirable removable after market hard top -It was fitted with a Dennis Welch alloy cylinder head and stainless steel exhaust in 2006 -The original jack, handle, hammer, oil skin bags, owners handbook, factory service manual

1954 Austin-Healey 100-4

The 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 stands as a quintessential British sports car of the post-war era, embodying a perfect blend of performance, elegant styling, and open-top motoring exhilaration. Born from a collaboration between the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and the Donald Healey Motor Company, the 100-4 was designed to capture the burgeoning market for affordable yet exciting sports cars, particularly in America. Its enduring appeal lies in its distinctive design, robust mechanics, and its participation in motorsport, cementing its status as a desirable classic.

Origins and Development:

The genesis of the Austin-Healey 100 lies in a prototype unveiled at the 1952 London Motor Show. Donald Healey, a renowned automotive engineer and racer, presented his design for a new sports car, and Leonard Lord, chairman of BMC, was so impressed that he immediately commissioned it for production under the Austin banner. The "100" in its name referred to its top speed capability of 100 miles per hour, a significant achievement for a car of its class at the time. The "4" denoted its four-cylinder engine.

Design and Styling:

The 1954 100-4 is instantly recognizable for its elegant and sporting silhouette. It features a flowing, low-slung body with prominent pontoon fenders, a long bonnet, and a raked windscreen. The distinctive large grille, often referred to as the "mouth," is a signature element. The open-top design, whether as a two-seater roadster or later with optional side curtains and a removable soft top, offered the pure driving experience that was so sought after. The body was primarily constructed of steel, with aluminum used for the bonnet and boot lid to reduce weight.

Engine and Performance:

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1954 100-4 was powered by a BMC C-Series 2.6-liter (2639cc) inline-four engine. This engine, derived from Austin's A90 Atlantic, produced around 90-95 horsepower. While seemingly modest by modern standards, when coupled with the car's lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, it delivered spirited performance. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on the top two gears, allowing for improved cruising economy and higher top speeds. This transmission setup, along with its relatively simple but effective chassis, contributed to its agile handling.

Key Features and Variations:

Engine: BMC C-Series 2.6-liter inline-four.
Transmission: Three-speed manual with overdrive.
Body Styles: Primarily a two-seater roadster. Later variations would introduce a 2+2 coupe.
Suspension: Independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, and a solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Wheels: Wire-spoke wheels were a popular option.
Racing Pedigree: The 100-4 proved itself capable on the racetrack and in endurance events, most notably at Bonneville Salt Flats where a modified version achieved speeds exceeding 150 mph, earning it the "100S" moniker.

Driving Experience:

The 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 offers a visceral and engaging driving experience. The driver sits low in the cockpit, with a direct connection to the road. The steering is unassisted, providing excellent feedback. The engine, while not exceptionally powerful, delivers a satisfying growl, and the gearbox, though mechanical, is generally considered robust. The driving position, with its minimal creature comforts, emphasizes the sporting intent of the vehicle.

Legacy and Collectibility:

The Austin-Healey 100-4 is a highly sought-after classic car. Its iconic styling, engaging performance, and historical significance make it a valuable and rewarding vehicle to own and drive. Examples from 1954 are particularly desirable as they represent the early production models that established the marque's reputation. Condition, originality, and provenance are key factors influencing its value in the collector market. The 100-4 paved the way for subsequent, more powerful Austin-Healey models, solidifying the brand's legacy as a producer of exceptional British sports cars.

Northshore Sportscars

Used 1954 Austin-Healey 100-4

Engine