Most likely prompted by his work with Nash, Donald Healey set about building a prototype around British Austin running gear in time for the October 1952 London Motor Show at Earls Court. Healey saw the popularity of British sports cars with American servicemen in Europe and wisely conjectured that there was a market for his sporting roadster.

The concept was really quite simple. Healey began with a 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine used in the Austin A90 sedan—complete with transmission and rear axle—around which he designed a simple but rugged ladder frame. He worked in the existing Austin front suspension along with a graceful and flowing two-seat body styled by Gerry Coker. He then took the car to Jabbeke, the Belgian highway that was considered de rigueur in testing the high-speed capability of any new sports car of the time. The new car covered the flying kilometer at 111 mph. Just a few days and headlines later, he presented the car, quite appropriately, at Earls Court. The car was christened the Healey Hundred, reflecting its 100 mph-plus top speed. Needless to say, the Healy Hundred stole the show and caught the fancy of Sir Leonard Lord, the grand old man of Austin.

Sir Lord realized that merely using the componentry of his Austin 90 did not a sports car make; he asked for a few words with the car’s creator. What resulted was a 20-year contract for the use of his name with Healey calling the shots about the development of the car while receiving a royalty for each one built. Quite neatly, the Healey Hundred became the Austin-Healey 100.

Healey proved himself correct, as eventually 90 percent of all production went to export markets. As was the case with most British sports cars, the cost to meet U.S. safety and emission requirements sealed the fate of the car and it was cancelled in 1968 after nearly 72,000 were produced, including more than 14,500 100s from 1953–1956.

According to its owner, this car has been prepared to exacting standards and to compete at the highest level of judging as dictated by Austin-Healey Club requirements. Numerous photos and a CD of the restoration are available for inspection upon request. Also included are notes for maintaining the car along with records, owner’s paperwork, and photos dating to 1955.

Finished in a stunning Ice Blue over dark blue leather, this Healey has been the beneficiary of a meticulous frame-off restoration resulting in a beautifully presented automobile that any enthusiast would be proud to own. It is accompanied by its British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, confirming that it is still fitted with its original engine, and is currently equipped with correct painted knock-off wire wheels. It comes complete with its spare wheel, complete tool roll, and knock-off hammer.

If ever a car was made to go with a tweed cap, driving gloves, and an ascot, this is it!