Background
Donald Healey’s stunning two-seater sports car owed its mechanical prowess to nothing more than an amalgamation of bits from the Austin parts bin, but my, what a car.
Alongside those alluring looks, the key to its success was the Austin A90’s 2660cc four-pot engine, which output a decidedly perky 90bhp – enough to fire the little scamp to a top speed of 102mph.
Factor in an incredibly affordable price tag and, while we certainly loved it over here, the USA went bonkers for it. In total a staggering 14,612 100 and 100M models were sold.
Named of course for its top speed, which broke the mythical 100mph barrier, the Austin-Healey 100 had it all: handling, power, looks and, most importantly in the Post-War world, that quintessentially British aura.
As it evolved the Healey got bigger, first by way of six-cylinder engine, gaining the 100/6 designation. That began a journey along a decidedly more brawny and powerful route, which resulted in the moniker ‘Big Healey’ in last-of-the-line MkIII form. With a six-cylinder Healey you climb aboard, fire it up, kiss each bicep once, and get ready to devour the Great British countryside in style.
However, despite the model’s gruff evolution, the earlier variants remain nimbler, visually purer and lighter of foot. If it’s the undiluted, original Austin-Healey experience that you’re after, then it’s quite simple: you need a 100/4.
As if by magic, here is a particularly sublime example. It has an extensive history, comes with its original engine, chassis and gearbox, and presents in lovely condition.
