1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1
Chassis no. BN1L220856
Engine no. 1B220856M
2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
100bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive (see text)
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
69,000 Original Miles. Engine Rebuilt at 63,000 Miles in 1999.*Known history from new
*Only four owners since leaving the factory
*Stunning Healey 100 for shows or rallies
*Offered with BMC Heritage Certificate, original sales invoice and owner’s handbookEXCEPTIONALLY WELL DOCUMENTED EXAMPLE (SEE PHOTOS) LARGE BINDER FULL OF PAPERWORK
Built on October 27, 1954, this smart Austin Healey 100 BN1 left the factory sporting Carmine Red paintwork over a simple black interior, with factory-fitted equipment including a heater and miles-per-hour speedometer, as this car was destined for export. According to the original invoice, a copy of which is included with the car, it was delivered new to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Campbell of Fountain City, Tennessee through Snider Motors in nearby Knoxville on April 4, 1955. The Campbell’s paid $3,149.60 for their new Healey—$1,949.60 of which they paid in cash, $600 they financed, and the remaining $600 they received for the ’50 Studebaker that they traded in. It was noted on the invoice that side mirrors and back-up lights were thrown in at no charge.
Under the care of the just four owners since new, the majority of the car’s life was spent with the first two owners in Tennessee. The Campbell’s retained the car for 11 years, keeping meticulous records of the service performed including hand written notes for every oil change and tire rotation. The second owner, Leonard McKeehan was similarly fanatical about both maintenance and record keeping for the nearly 50 years he owned the car. The 100 underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1983, but the regular servicing has allowed the restoration to mellow well over the last 36 years into a nicely kept driver. During his ownership, the original 3-speed transmission was replaced with a 4-speed unit—the overdrive system was kept in place. A LeMans Style 100M bonnet was installed as well. Heading out east to its penultimate owner in 2014, it was acquired by the present owner in 2016. Since acquisition, the brakes, generator, and carburetors have all been rebuilt and a fresh set of Vredesteins have been fitted. All recent work is documented and receipts from RPM (Restoration & Performance Motorcars in Vermont) totaling nearly $11,000. And in April 2019, a brand new stainless steel exhaust system was installed.
With known ownership history from new and a healthy record of maintenance from the start, it would make an excellent tour and event car. Complete with the aforementioned original sales invoice, the extremely rare factory body production card, the original 1955 owner’s handbook, a tool kit, the Heritage Certificate, photo of the owner of the car in 1984 receiving an award and congratulations from Donald Healey, photos of restoration,and stacks of receipts and records dating back to 1955, this potent Roadster that offers great driving pleasure and style.
