Today, just about every car on the road is capable of reaching 100 miles per hour, but for many decades this kind of speed was reserved for high dollar specialty vehicles. In 1952 Donald Healey decided he wanted to make high-speed motoring more accessible by building a sleek, affordable and fun to drive roadster that was based on the Austin A90. While the Jaguar XK120 had a higher top speed, the 100 could hit 106 mph and was considerably cheaper. Today, these Healeys are highly sought after by collectors and fetch serious money. This early BN1 just popped up here on craigslist in Denham Springs, Lousiana with a $19,950 asking price.
The 100 would eventually evolve into the 3000, which was named for its engine size rather than it’s top speed. Later cars were more refined and provided more cabin space, but there’s something special about the early 4 cylinders that was lost with the addition of a back seat and 2 cylinders. This example is one of the last BN1s built before the BN2 was introduced, having been built in July of 1955. It’s going to be a major undertaking, but it’s said to come with its original drivetrain and many of the original pieces.
Interest in these cars has gone up significantly in the past few years, which has also driven up values. We’ve seen several Austin Healeys that were in worse shape sale for as much or more than the asking price of this one. Now that doesn’t mean that this one is a steal, it’s still a huge project that is going to need everything. Not only has it been sitting outside for several decades, but it’s in pieces and was underwater during a flood in 2016. All things considered, the rust issues could be worse, but you will definitely want to take a closer look before making an offer.
The seller has done a good job presenting the car, detailing all the issues they could find and by posting lots of photos. It sounds like they are helping the aging owner with the sale, but hopefully, they can answer any questions you might have. The missing paperwork is a bummer, but as long as the owner is still alive and willing to sign off on a request for a duplicate title it shouldn’t be difficult to get the title. It won’t be a cheap project, but it could be a fun restoration to tackle that would end with an amazing car to drive!
Rare! Looks to pretty much be all there.
Thanks for posting.
Sorry, but that’s no 20K Healey. He mentioned holes in the frame. That means a new frame is needed. I remember seeing someone’s Healey break in half from interior frame rot.
2nd car I ever owned swapped a 59 triumph Bonneville for it red and black 3 speed with electric overdrive.would like to own either how or better still both
I’d be worried about chassis rust in this one. Hopefully, it’s saveable.
I have always thought them good looking cars. This car however being underwater in more ways than one is a money pit. For asking price you can get a nice replica with modern drive train and A/C. The asking price plus restoration cost would buy really nice example with many $$$ left over.
Labor of love, not for profit on this one.
Which this hobby was in the past, Brit cars were hand made so can be RE-MADE If most is there and not broken, it’s a matter of LOTS of FETTLEING! That’s what the hobby is about–for punters who consider it another consumer item to be used and then flogged off when tired of it the replica is the one!
Another big Healey? Hmm, I wonder if people are “throwing in the towel” on their Healey projects? People with good intentions on their projects, are probably finding out, you can buy a house ( in certain areas) for what it costs to restore these. Can’t blame the seller, really, for wanting to cash in. Like the 6 figure Mopars, it won’t last forever.
Is the lawn mower included? Did it run when stored? I need a push power…
Under water in the 2016 flood. Buy the Spifire and have fun now. (Unless you have wtf money)
Thanks to Barn Finds again for the great article by Josh and the national exposure for my Craigslist ad. I had half a dozen inquiries/offers in the first 6 hours, an almost full price offer from a premier Healey restorer, and a deposit to my PayPal account by the end of the first day. Doesn’t get much better than that. Owner is delighted this car he’s had for 45 years will now get restored and used again. Win-Win.