Three milestones marked the early evolution of the Austin-Healey: the introduction of the sleek minimalist Healey 100 at Earls Court in October 1952, the successful entry of three Healey 100s in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the presentation of the Austin-Healey BN2 with improved performance and reliability in October 1955.

Finding a Healey 100 in Florida produced in July 1954, in complete condition, the consignor decided to create an ideal candidate for classic car tours, with a highly attractive interior and exterior color scheme, combining late-period performance improvements with stylish design cues from the first Healey 100s.

Mechanically, the engine has been built with the same performance modifications used on the Le Mans competitors and available in kit form from the Donald Healey Motor works when this car was new. These include high-compression pistons, high-lift cam, improved distributor, increased-intake H6 carburetors, and a Le Mans cold-air box. The result was a 110-hp engine, capable of a top speed of 109 mph, proven in speed and endurance trials during the car’s period to be sustainable for days on end.

On the exterior, a period-original louvered Le Mans bonnet and reproduction bonnet strap has been fitted, and the car is painted in stunning Lustreen Green, a shade documented as having been used on a handful of Healey 100s on special order in January 1954. The very complementary interior trim is an unusual light-beige leather and vinyl, counterpointed with green piping and dark green carpeting. The car has been fitted with a stylish and comfortable Derrington-style wood-rimmed steering wheel, similar to those fitted to Healey competition cars during the period.

There could not be a better choice for the person interested in touring and enjoying their Healey.