1953 Austin-Healey 3000

Make

Austin-Healey

Model

3000

Year

1953

Listed price

$12,500

Location

Santa Ana, California

Transmission

3-Speed Overdrive

Mileage

14,839 miles

The Austin-Healey 100 stands as a foundational icon in the British sports car pantheon, born from Donald Healey's vision to create an affordable, high-performance two-seater for the post-war era. Unveiled at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show, its sleek lines and potent Austin A90 Atlantic-derived inline-four engine captured immediate attention, leading to a partnership with Austin and the birth of the Austin-Healey brand. The "100" moniker famously denoted its ability to exceed 100 mph, a significant feat for its time. Early production BN1 models, like this example, are particularly coveted for their unique features and direct connection to the model's genesis, embodying the pure, unadulterated spirit of British motoring that would define a generation of sports cars. This 1953 Austin-Healey 100, body number 859, represents a remarkably preserved piece of that early history. With just 14,839 miles on its odometer, this BN1 retains a host of the distinctive early production characteristics that set the initial batch of 1,000 cars apart. Enthusiasts will appreciate the early-style two-piece dashboard with its detachable instrument panel, the sliding spline adjustable steering wheel assembly complete with its unique trafficator, and the lightweight alloy trunk and hood panels. Further early details 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-4 engine, paired with a 3-speed transmission featuring a desirable 32% overdrive unit, making this car a true time capsule of automotive design and engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a pristine example of the very first Austin-Healey 100s, complete with its historically significant early production features.