chassis number BN2L228155

In 1951, when the established range of Healey cars was selling steadily but out of the price range of most enthusiasts, Donald Healey realised there was a market for a relatively low-priced but high performance sports car. A readily available, reliable and tuneable engine was required and BMC agreed to supply the 2,660cc four-cylinder unit from its Austin A90 model, together with Austin's three-speed overdrive gearbox. For the chassis of the new car Healey and his son Geoffrey designed a simple but torsionally strong ladder frame.

Finally, an attractive, open two seater body was penned by Gerry Coker, the final rendition of which incorporated some last minute changes by Donald Healey himself. The result, launched to a surprised public at the 1952 London Motor Show, caused a sensation and met with immediate approval from press and enthusiasts alike. It looked superb with performance to match; producing 94bhp at 4,000rpm, it could achieve 105mph with the windscreen folded flat and 0-60mph acceleration in 10.3 seconds.

Called simply the Healey 100 and later BN1, the new car also caught the attention of BMC supremo Leonard Lord who at once struck an agreement with Healey to market the car as the Austin Healey 100. Production began in May 1953 and it wasn't long before the model was selling like hot cakes and featuring strongly in production racing on both sides of the Atlantic. The BN2 model was introduced in 1955 at the London Motor show featuring a four speed plus overdrive gearbox and was also available in up rated form equipped with a Le Mans kit featuring a fully louvered bonnet and engine modifications which raised power to 110bhp and increased the top speed to 109mph.