1956 Austin Healey 100-4 BN2 Roadster
"Though Austin-Healey ceased production over five decades ago, its cars remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The brand's blend of style, performance, and engineering excellence continues to captivate the imaginations of car lovers around the world. Moreover, the influence of Austin-Healey's design and engineering can still be seen in modern sports cars, with many automakers drawing inspiration from the brand's emphasis on driving pleasure, simplicity, and performance." Supercars.net
For consignment, a 1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2 roadster with a title verified 72,282 actual miles. The body was restored 15 years ago and it has many newer parts including wheel and master cylinders, gas tank sending unit, fuel pump, water pump, fan, and the usual tune up items to include cap and rotor.
Exterior
The striking two tone layout here is achieved with the desirable British Racing Green over Cream White and the delineation line follows the sloping profile of the car itself, thus accentuating it. The fender accent trim is joined by 15-inch knock off wire wheels, adding even more drama to this little roadster, but it might be the front view that takes the cake and gets hearts pumping. Single headlights flank a diamond fanned grille that leans back, leading eyes to the long, louvered hood secured by a leather belt which is appropriately weathered. The rear sloping decklid has a luggage rack here, flanked by small, round tail lights and a smart, chrome bumper with guards. Up top, the black canvas top is there "just in case," and its plastic window shows some typical yellowing. Imperfections include some wear where the belt intersects the hood, various chips, surface scratches, weathered rail covers on the luggage rack, scuffs, cracks, and bubbling on the door.
Interior
Vinyl door panels are mere frames around an open area that doubles as a storage pocket and both doors present nicely. Inside, black vinyl bomber style bucket seats are lined with cream colored piping and are in very good condition. The leather wrapped banjo steering wheel fronts the typically simple British dashboard with easy to read round gauges, here with a touch of patina, in a grain vinyl based faceplate that arches in the middle to make room for the tall shifter that rises from the tunnel on the floor. Here, black carpet covers nicely while a fitted, vinyl mat finishes the small trunk which is home to the fuel filler.
Drivetrain
Bits of surface rust don't upstage the polished cover in the bay and its engraved scripted Austin Healey display. This is a 2660ci inline four cylinder, rated at 90 horsepower and fueled through a pair of Su carburetors. It's mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive and power ends up at the rear axle through 4.125 gears.
Undercarriage
Overall clean conditions are found with some typical surface rust, oxidation, and residual oil on the pans. There is a touch of flaking rust on a lower pan but structurally, the underside appears solid. Drum brakes are found front and rear and the single exhaust travels through a stock style muffler and exits through an upturned pipe in back. Suspension includes coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
The spry little Brit hits the test loop eagerly and delivers a fine ride with straight tracking and characteristic handling that's nimble and fun. We note the car does pop out of reverse and the turn signals are not working. We could not get the passenger door open, so guests will have to go Dukes of Hazzard style for now. All other functions on this attractive roadster work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
With so many choices of vintage British roadsters, it's the Austin-Healeys that somehow stand out and if you've been to an All English car show, you know there's something special about the Austin crowd and their dedication to having the cream of the crop. Here's a very nice example that will get you into that exclusive club with chapters and activities all across the country, if not world!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
