1953 Austin-Healey - Modified at Warwick for competition before delivery

1953 Austin Healey 100 BN-1 Description

Here is a unique opportunity for a discerning collector/enthusiast that is well acquainted with Healey history to acquire a pristine professionally restored example of a rare early Warwick modified competition Austin Healey.It is car #93 and the last of the few 1953 models produced. It is also one of the first to be modified for competition for a customer at the Healey works in Warwick. It has the many features you normally only read about because in addition to the competition modifications the car surprisingly has pre-production features such as a radiator with a crank hole and dual mounting holes for the steering box and it also had the notorious door sills [now replaced but included] mentioned by Geoffrey Healey as a shortcut by Jensen that they made them correct. This car ticks all the boxes. As one of the earliest examples of a Warwick modified car it qualifies as a predecessor of the much admiredM series cars that were to come along two years later and now demand premium prices.

According to Bill Piggott's book the following items are 100M model equipment and this car has them all. A rare Lucas racing distributor 40422A [dated Jan.1953]. 1 ¾" S.U. AUC 6040X carburetors with the etched numbers 6047 or 6053 on them. The inlet manifolds are numbered 1B 2893 and 1B 2894 and of course it has the cold air box. Additional items over and beyond the normal 100M modifications are that the brake backing plates are drilled for cooling and the flywheel was turned down from 42 lbs.to 28 lbs. Pictures of all these items are available. This car is an early example of what the Healeys were doing in the very beginning of BN-1 production and shows the type and extent of those very first competition modifications

This car was taken down to the bare chassis and professionally restored with the intent of retaining originality whenever and wherever possible. While all the original bodywork comes with the car it currently has custom bodywork that demonstrates more fully the beauty of the original design. This current iteration incorporates the frontal aspect that was Mr. Healey's first choice for production. During the early design stage we were fortunate in receiving gracious input from Gerry Coker, the original designer, to ensure we did it correctly.Images of emails are available.

The decision to re-body the car was made so we could incorporate as many historical correct features in the design as possible to showcase the unique niche the car rightly occupies mechanically in Healey history. The intent was that its distinctive appearance should emphasize the underlying uniqueness without compromising the Healey style that is so admired worldwide. All the resulting bodywork is to a very high standard. It was produced by an individual with fifty years of experience in his craft, many of those years in aircraft composite design and manufacturing. Our primary goal was to recreate the front end shape that was changed during the prototype build at Tickford. This car shows the design that Donald Healey originally approved for production and demonstrates what he intended the BN-1 to look like. It is the only known example ever built. His disapproval of the final familiar production design is well documented.

All the bodywork is bolt on exchange pieces and the original parts are included should any future owner want to restore the car to its as built condition should future market values dictate doing so. No modifications were made to the original car so restoration should be straight forward. For now it is a great attention getter and makes a great show piece with many historical features to discuss with those interested in Healey history.

There is a slideshow presentation on YouTube that contains details of the cars many features at https://youtu.be/jn0VL1Qeg2E or I will send the original document that is far superior to seriously interested individuals that contact me through eBay. More videos are available if you click on "James Haney" after using the above link.

The car is readily available for inspection by appointment. It is located in Bellingham, Washington in the northwest corner of the USA about 90 minutes north of Seattle. The car can be shipped as soon as funds clear but depending on buyers choicesthe many additional items like the original bodywork, all the molds [great for making a replacement part if the need arises] bumpers, top bows etc. will all need to be crated for shipping. This will take a bit of time so keep this in mind if you want everything to go at once. The buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for the crating and all shipping cost of both the car and the parts.

I will assist if and when I can to facilitate matters. I am not a dealer just an individual who enjoys outstanding motorcars. Thank you for your interest.