Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Austin Healey 100/4 Roadster
s/n BNIL 222764, engine no. 1B222764M
Green with Green Leather Interior

The Austin Healey BN IL platform, produced in 1953, 54, and 55, was the first mass produced and successfully marketed road car for the now famous company. The BN I chassis carried a 3-speed with overdrive transmission, and the venerable four cylinder power plant. Additionally, the BN I two-seat body displays the low-slung and very beautiful tear drop fenders lines which failed to make the transition to later cars.

Cosmetically, this car presents very well, with a wholesome and honest patina that is uniform throughout the car. The body is exceptionally straight, and the panel match at the hood, door and truck is outstanding. The crispness of the door shut and condition of the hinges reflects that of a wonderful, unrestored, low-mileage car. The paint has been color sanded and polished, looks to be original about much of the car, while areas around the bottom of the rear wheels arches looks to have been touched up decades ago. There is one area before the windscreen which has been polished through. The chrome and aluminum trim are in exceptionally good unrestored condition with minimal pitting and no significant weathering. The windshield appears to be original and is in excellent condition with virtually no pitting. All the lenses and badges are present and in fantastic condition. A very good green vinyl top is fitted over a nice, unrestored top frame. The car sits on impeccable chrome wire wheels with older Michelin XAS tires.

The interior has been tastefully and carefully re-trimmed in high quality green leather on the seats and console, and high quality matching green carpet. The balance of the interior has been left original. The dash is excellent, considering its originality, with just very minor pitting around the Smiths gauge bezels. The black plastic steering wheel is in outstanding condition with no obvious cracking or aging. The vinyl door panels are extremely well preserved, right down to the `fuzzy` trim lining the jambs. The pedal pads show moderate wear, consistent with the mileage.

Like the rest of the car, the engine compartment has never been restored. While slightly weathered and imperfect cosmetically, the engine bay is likely to be very accurate to original specifications, right down to the last nut and bolt, as this Healey was assembled at the factory by the workers that assembled all of them- an attribute which restored cars can never boast.

The trunk retains all of its factory original matting and is in wonderful condition.

Mechanically the car is excellent. From a driving standpoint, this car has a cohesiveness that is often lost in restored cars. The matching numbers engine starts easily, idles smoothly, and has good power. The three speed transmission and clutch both operate as they should. The brakes are effective and the car stops straight. The steering and suspension are exceptionally tight, confirming the mileage. A fairly new stainless steel exhaust system has been installed. In 1994 the car was comprehensively serviced including the rebuilding of the brake and cooling systems, and carburetors as necessary, and a few ancillary odds and ends which totaled about $5,500. In 2007 all systems were checked for operability, and the brakes adjusted. The underside is free of cosmetic and structural rust, and representative of a well kept, low-mileage, totally unrestored car.

With the car come ownership notes and records for the work done since 1994, the original spare tire and wheel, original and unrestored side curtains, tool roll with tools, and jack with jack bag. As a pre-1957 model, this Healey is eligible for many of the premier historic car events here in the US and beyond. We cannot stress enough what an exceptionally well preserved, low-mileage car this is. It is truly a rare find in a sea of restored cars.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608