From the Classifieds: 1954 Austin Healey 100/4

The early-1950s Austin Healey 100/4 may not have exactly oozed mechanical sophistication, but it was pretty hot property among the more affordable sports car indulgences of the era.

Penned by stylist Gerry Coker, who also had a hand in designing the smaller Austin Healey Sprite, it was displayed in prototype form at the 1952 Earls Court motor show.

Dubbed as the Healey Hundred, it so impressed the Austin company’s then managing director Leonard Lord that a deal was made for it to become a production reality, retitled as the Austin Healey 100.

With its beautifully flowing lines, large-capacity (for a four-cylinder) overhead-valve 2.7-litre engine, underslung cart-axle rear suspension and all-drum brakes, the first BN1 series Austin Healey 100/4 had plenty of panache.

Despite the ‘100’ moniker coming from its ability to top 100mph (161km/h), the 100/4’s performance potential may not have been obvious from the start.

The engine, borrowed from the goggle-eyed Austin A90 Atlantic four-door convertible, produced a mere 67kW.

But with the help of a relatively light kerb weight, the four-cylinder engine launched the 910kg two-seat rag-top to 100km/h in just over 11sec – relatively quick for the mid-1950s.

It drove through a humble three-speed manual gearbox that was augmented by overdrive ratios on second and third gear.

In Australia, the Austin Healey 100/4 was a prestige symbol among young, relatively well-heeled sports car enthusiasts.

It sold alongside the likes of the 1.6-litre MGA and Triumph’s 2.0-litre TR2 until it was replaced by the (heavier and slower) six-cylinder 100/6 in 1956.

It’s not really surprising that Austin Healeys remain a reasonably familiar sight on Australian roads today.

The styling is timeless and, like many of its 1950s contemporaries, it’s popular among baby boomers relishing a connection with more youthful times.

At an advertised price of $98,500, this 1954 BN1 Austin Healey on sale through carsales makes heady promises to those who knew the slinky sports car in its heyday.

The Australian-delivered, blue/white example lives in Western Australia where it underwent a recent “extensive restoration” by high-profile restorers to create what is described as a “perfect” example of an original BN1 series.

The owner says the engine has been completely rebuilt, as have the brakes and suspension.

The original engine block, without any “visible flaws” comes, along with many spare parts, with the package.

Arguably the most glamourous among its 1950s British sports car peer group, it’s hard to imagine the Austin Healey 100/4 ever looking dated.

Take a closer look at this 1954 Austin Healey 100/4 for sale on carsales