This 1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2 recently emerged after more than three decades in storage. Its history is unclear, although its complete nature and lack of significant rust make it a prime candidate for restoration. The 100-4 follows the lead of many classic British sports cars, with values climbing steadily. If you feel up for the challenge of returning this gem to its former glory, you will find the Healey listed here on eBay in Pleasanton, California. The seller set their BIN at $27,995, with plenty of time remaining on the listing for those who need to contemplate the possible purchase.
The Austin-Healey 100-4 first appeared on showroom floors in 1953, with the updated BN2 version released in August 1955. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1956, finished in Reno Red with a Black soft-top. Its history is unclear, although the seller confirmed it has spent over three decades in storage. It requires a total restoration, with its paint looking tired and the top consisting of little more than a frame. However, the panels are straight, and rust seems limited to some small patchable areas in the lower body on the driver’s side. The remaining exterior surfaces are clean, and the underside shots confirm this classic is as solid as the day it was born. Any trim pieces that won’t respond positively to polish are prime candidates for a trip to the platers, and the original wire wheels look excellent. Overall, those with an aversion to cutting and welding may find this Healey extremely attractive.
One potential disadvantage of owning a classic convertible is that it is virtually impossible to hide a substandard interior. This Healey’s interior fits that description, requiring plenty of TLC to return to its best. The passenger seat base is missing, but it is otherwise complete. A retrim is on the agenda, and this is where these classics come into their own. Kits are readily available and affordable. It requires an investment of around $1,300, but that would have almost everything sparkling. The banjo-style wheel is cracked but is restorable via kits that retail for approximately $50. With those issues addressed and the painted surfaces refreshed, this interior would undoubtedly turn heads for the right reasons.
The Healey 100-4 followed the lead of many classic British sports cars from this era by utilizing tried and true components from Austin. The 2,660cc four started life in the A90 model, although it received a few tweaks to produce 90hp. Those ponies feed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, with stopping power provided by 11″ drum brakes. That package may not sound impressive, but with the Healey weighing a mere 2,170 lbs, engine, and braking performance was better than many might expect. The journey down the ¼-mile took 18.1 seconds, with the car running out of breath at 109mph. The seller indicates the car’s engine turns freely, although it doesn’t run or drive. It would be fair to assume it hasn’t fired a shot in anger since going into storage, but the bulletproof nature of the drivetrain means revival may not be complicated.
Classic post-war British sports cars are prime candidates for a first or DIY project. Their simple engineering and ready parts availability mean a competent person could perform most of the tasks in a home workshop. This 1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2 is no exception. The price may seem high for an entry-level project, but with the completed vehicle capable of commanding a value above $70,000, it should be a sound long-term investment. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
This appears to be a very good candidate for restoration. The price is a little high but not much more than by about 10 per-cent. Updating the engine to 100M specification would make it an even better investment and I would go for 72 spoke chrome wire wheels and a two-tone paint job to make this a dreamy restoration.
100 4s are much more desirable than all the 6 cyl models which followed. Not one to be throwing $$$ around, but it does not seem overpriced. Shoot, the profile view of these cars with the windshield folded flat . . . . that’s priceless. That is only possible on the 4 cyl models.
An excellent candidate for a restoration. I restored a ’56 BN2 in very similar condition. Do NOT underestimate what nor how much $$$ will be required. A $1300 “interior kit” will not even begin to fix things. Most everything is available to restore one of these but anything that is sourced from China is probably worthless. It is NOT a 100M so adding bogus “M” bits will not noticeably improve the performance nor its value. The unusual non-factory hardtop is cool. Wonderful, characterful cars, great potential here!!
Edwin P Phelps III: One could buy a 100M from the factory, but one could also buy a kit from the factory for a retro-fit, hence updating a standard 100 to “M” specification is NOT a “bogus” endeavour and it does increase power and torque by roughly ten per-cent…and also brings up the value.
Looks solid and straight and would be a good start to a restoration. When I had my 100 I rebuilt the engine to M spec (compression, cam) and lightened the flywheel. Very modest bump in performance, but no downside as far as driveability, still a very tractable, torquey motor.
My first 100 was the same color. Really hard to refuse a red Healey with everything working for $600. Drove it from New Jersey to Florida in the rain and convinced myself that I wouldn’t do that again. Good looks and good power.
Obviously, one lucky buyer got this iconic ride. Hopefully, she sees the road again soon.