1956 Austin Healey 100/4 BN2

This beautiful Austin Healey 100/4 BN2 came to the UK from Canada in January 2020, and was then the subject of a full nut and bolt restoration, during which it was converted to right hand drive, using all new parts.

The BN2 has the four speed plus overdrive gearbox, and is outwardly distinguishable from the earlier cars by the slightly larger front wheel arches. Underneath there’s a different rear axle, too.

4604 BN2s were built, with 200 a month being produced, three quarters of which went to California, so you don’t trip over them too often, let alone one in this kind of condition.

Based on a brand new chassis, the entire bodyshell was stripped to bare metal, and once the car returned from the blasters it received a premium respray, both underneath and on top. It looks as amazing underneath as it does from the outside.

The car is original specification with the exception of the very sensible upgrade to a Revotech electric cooling fan, and a high torque starter motor.

What a stunning looking Healey. There are restorations and there are restorations – this one is clearly top notch and the car looks superb. Whether the panel gaps on the deeply lustrous Healey Blue paint would have been this tight and uniform when the car left Longbridge way back in the last year of 100/4 production is arguable, but we’re not the ones to have that argument, as we don’t care.

Ninety percent of the chrome work is brand new, and it all gleams as much as the glass-like paintwork. There’s no over-restoring either – the wire wheels are finished in silver, not chrome. These were affordable sports cars back in the day, built from chunks of Austin A90, with Donald Healey’s inspired body shape.

If top-down wind in the hair motoring isn’t quite exhilarating enough for you, then we’re assured the folding windscreen works perfectly, so lay it flat for the full 1950s sports car experience. Just don’t forget your goggles.

The interior is all new and of premium quality. The restorer tells us it was originally blue, but he felt the mulberry leather he’s had it trimmed in makes the car unique, and he’s also added carpet in the boot and the rear deck, to add a touch of luxury. As you’d expect with a restoration like this, the hood and the side curtains are also new.

On the dash the large toggle switch that engages the overdrive on third and top gear looks like something borrowed from a power station, and the large Bakelite rimmed steering wheel could quite easily come from the Hoover Dam.

If you really look hard inside the cabin you can find hints that the car is actually eligible for a bus pass – the face of the rev counter and speedo have a little patina to them, but otherwise, squint, whistle Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley (there’s no radio) and you’ll be transported to 1956 in this car. Choose a sunny day and you could even be in California.

And because you’re really not, Austin Healey even fitted a heater. What more does a sporting gent or gentess need?

Under here and the freshly built theme continues. There’s a terrifying lack of any wax based rust prevention, but that means you can see all the freshly assembled parts, which, again, could easily have just rolled out of Longbridge. Besides, with just 100 test miles on the clock since the car’s rebirth, there’s no hint of any corrosion, so what you do with it is up to you.

In the engine bay the big 2660cc four-pot sits, ready to propel you past 100mph if you have the nerve – you’ll certainly know you’re doing it in this car. Everything is spot on under the bonnet – even the HT leads are original spec. The twin SU carbs are maybe a tad shinier than they might have been, but they’ll age (again) gracefully.

This is surely a better use for this Austin powerplant than the ill-fated and largely unloved (at the time, anyway) Atlantic.

The car was originally bought from Canada as an unfinished project. When it arrived the restorer wasn’t happy with the standard of work that had been completed, so stripped the car to a bare chassis. After a complete dismantling it was decided that a new chassis was required.

This led onto a complete rebuild of the inner and outer body panels, pictures of which come with the car. During the course of the restoration work the car was professionally converted to right-hand-drive using all new components. The engine was stripped, checked and overhauled as necessary, as was the gearbox, and a new wiring loom was fitted along with all new electrical devices. This was a genuine full nut and bolt restoration.

This car has had in excess of £30,000 worth of parts alone fitted during its renovation, all of which is backed up by a fully documented folder which includes many pictures of the restoration work, plus all the invoices for the parts. Remember – these invoices are for just the parts used during the renovation. The labour cost must have been eye watering.

As the car has had a new chassis fitted the restorer has had it MoT’d for one year, and tells us it’s covered around 100 shakedown miles since the completion of the renovation. This was done purely for peace of mind – legally the car does not require an MoT certificate. A British Motor Heritage Certificate is provided with the car.

We love the attention to detail, the lack of added bling and the contrasting mulberry interior of this gorgeous Austin Healey. We seriously doubt there’s a better 100/4 BN2 for sale anywhere.

Our estimate for this car Is £65,000 - £75,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.