1953 Austin-Healey 100

Make

Austin-Healey

Model

100

Year

1953

Listed price

$12,500

Location

Santa Ana, California

Transmission

3-Speed Overdrive

Mileage

14,839 miles

The Austin-Healey 100 holds a special place in British motoring history, born from Donald Healey's vision to create an affordable, high-performance sports car for the export market. Unveiled at the 1952 Earl's Court Motor Show, its sleek lines and potent Austin A90 Atlantic-derived inline-four engine captured immediate attention, leading to a handshake deal with Leonard Lord of Austin that brought the car to production as the Austin-Healey 100. This original 'BN1' generation, produced from 1953 to 1955, set the stage for the beloved 'Big Healey' lineage, establishing a reputation for robust performance and elegant simplicity that would endure for decades. Early production examples, especially those from the initial 1,000 cars, are particularly significant, embodying the purest form of Healey's original concept before minor revisions were introduced. This 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is a remarkable example from that coveted first batch, proudly bearing body number 859 and retaining a wealth of early production features. With a production date of July 1953, this BN1 showcases details like the distinctive two-piece dashboard with a detachable instrument panel, a sliding spline adjustable steering wheel assembly with its unique trafficator, and lightweight alloy trunk and hood panels. Further early hallmarks include the very low front fender wheel cutouts, single solid plexiglass chrome-framed sidescreens, and the absence of rear reflectors. Power is delivered by its original inline-four engine, mated to a 3-speed transmission with a desirable 32% overdrive unit, making for an engaging driving experience across its 14,839 miles. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true piece of Austin-Healey's foundational legacy, brimming with period-correct charm and historical authenticity.