1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 Le Mans

The Austin-Healey 100/4 was launched at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show to great acclaim. After modified 100/4s placed 16th and 20th in the 1953 Le Mans 24 hours, the factory offered performance kits that largely replicated their specification, including a louvered hood with leather strap, larger carburetors, high-lift cam, and cold-air intake.

According to the accompanying BMIHT Certificate, this Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 was completed on January 22, 1954, and the consignor acquired it out of California in 2013. Shortly after purchase, the new owner discovered that the original paint color of the Healey was the attractive and exceedingly rare Lustreen Green – a color used by Healey on prototype models and applied to as few as three examples of the 100/4 – and that the interior had been specially trimmed by Jensons in beige leather, also a very rare feature for an early Healey. Thought to be the sole remaining example in this rare color, the consignor decided that this very special 100/4 deserved a comprehensive restoration, which was completed by Seattle-based expert Walt Johnsen and included conversion to Le Mans specification. Johnsen also installed a lightened flywheel, high-compression pistons, and four-speed overdrive gearbox.

Following restoration, this superb 100/4 Le Mans won its class at the 2014 Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance and Best in Show at the 2015 Austin-Healey National Rendezvous. A new owner can expect to find great enjoyment with this gem.