Story and History

1954 Austin Healey BN 1
2 Owner since 1988
Full restored and little use since

Built and exported to the USA in 1954, this excellent example spent time in California and Arizona before moving to Texas.

While working in the USA, the previous owner purchased the car from Master Craft Auto Body, Houston, Texas in July 1988 and imported it to the UK in July 1989 (import documents included in the file).

Having spent most of its life in a dry climate the body is very sound and original. During its time in the USA the original 3-speed gearbox was replaced with the more desirable and reliable BN2 4-speed box, and Alfin drums fitted to the front brakes.

In 1990 it was converted to RHD and had other major work carried out by Performance Car Services of Bungay in Suffolk (all invoices on file). In 1991 the owner moved to Holland and took the car with him, then returned to the UK and re-imported it in 1996 (documents on file).

Kevin Law of Orchard Restorations recommended the car, and made the introduction from whom the last owners purchased it in November 2008 - so for the record, last owner for 15 years and the previous owner for 20 years.

From 2009 to 2012 the most recent owners oversaw a mechanical overhaul, performed by Orchard Restorations, including a rebuild of the engine, gearbox and overdrive, a new petrol tank – with the fitting of an alloy cylinder head, alloy sump, geared starter motor and new wheels and tyres. They also carried out a complete chassis overhaul whilst the interior had a complete retrim including seats (new bue leather with light blue piping), a new blue hood, side-screens (see picture - they are unused), tonneau and carpets. Total spend over this period was £24,000 (all invoices on file).

Coming with the BN1 there is a roll of carpet should it be needed, as well the original side screens. There is a new battery (fitted by us) and a battery cut out switch too.

The car has only covered around 3k miles since the above works were completed in 2012, and it has been regularly maintained by Orchard Restorations since then. The car is in exceptional mechanical condition, and the chassis set-up makes it a delight to drive.

This is completely attested to, as I personally have driven her for over 250 miles in the recent nice weather - she starts easily in the cold mornings (having been left outside) with the choke only being used for the first 2 minutes at the most. Handling and acceleration is most impressive, whilst the uprated brakes cope with modern traffic so one doesn't need to mindful of her age!!

The only negative point on the car is some evidence of electrolytic corrosion on the rear shroud along the rear wing seams. This has remained stable during the past 15 years of owning the car, and the overall condition and presentation of the paintwork is good. Also the fuel gauge is u/s so we use a stick to dip the tank before we journey out.

With the Healey are the original side screens, 2 off Austin Healey 100 service manuals and a parts manual too

There is a pair of front overmats and a roll of new carpet material, a red box file for previous ownership and a blue box file containing history of current ownership and the V5C.

Overall an excellent example in more than fine condition, driving better than most we've had the pleasure of using and offering the best value in the market place at the moment.