1956 Austin-Healey Other 100-4 BN2

Make

Austin-Healey

Model

Other 100-4 BN2

Year

1956

Listed price

$36,950

Location

Edmonds, Washington

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

31,995 miles

The Austin-Healey 100, born from a collaboration between Donald Healey and Austin's Leonard Lord, debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show, captivating audiences with its sleek lines and sporting promise. Intended to fill the void for an affordable, high-performance British sports car, the "100" moniker famously referred to its ability to reach 100 mph. The BN2, introduced in 1955, represents the ultimate evolution of the original 100-4 series. It brought significant improvements over the earlier BN1, most notably a proper four-speed manual transmission with overdrive on third and fourth gears, replacing the BN1's three-speed unit. Approximately 4,604 BN2 models were produced, making them a sought-after piece of Austin-Healey's foundational history, embodying the pure, unadulterated spirit of 1950s British roadstering. This striking 1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2, showing 31,995 miles, presents in a vibrant red with a complementary red interior and a newer black soft top. The exterior boasts a super nice paint finish with excellent panel fitment, evident in how smoothly the doors, hood, and trunk operate. Under the hood, the engine runs excellently, starting reliably with choke on the first try and maintaining a healthy 50 pounds of oil pressure at cold start. The BN2's signature four-speed manual transmission, with its non-synchronized first gear and functional overdrive, shifts cleanly, complemented by a good clutch and responsive brakes. This example also benefits from restored gauges and dash, re-chromed bumpers and grille, a new stainless steel exhaust, improved suspension, and newer tires, along with a fold-down windscreen for that true vintage experience. This BN2 offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the quintessential British sports car from its golden era.