When Donald Healey presented his two-seat Hundred prototype at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show, he was no stranger to high-performance automobiles. Healey and Lord struck a deal to build the car at Austin’s Longbridge assembly plant using Jensen Motors-supplied bodies. The venture was named Austin-Healey and the new roadster simply the 100.

In late summer of 1955, an updated model dubbed the Austin-Healey 100 BN2 debuted. Beefier front wheel arches visually distinguished it from previous models, and many left the Longbridge factory with two-tone paint. A four-speed manual transmission with overdrive and a revised rear axle ratio provided more spirited performance. The Austin-Healey 100 proved especially popular in California’s budding car culture. Amazingly, nearly three-quarters of Austin-Healey 100 BN2 production was earmarked for the Golden State, including the example offered here, which left the factory on 4 June 1956 bound for the Hambro Trading Inc. of Los Angeles.

Resplendent in its factory-correct two-tone color combination of Ivory White and Black, with a black vinyl interior and black convertible top, it was specified from the factory with the optional laminated windscreen, a Smiths speedometer “in miles,” and a heater, as its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirms.

After having been resprayed at some point to silver, this BN2 received a complete restoration in 2014 under previous ownership. Upon stripping the paint, it was revealed that both the engine and trunk compartment had been painted black, a known experiment by the factory, which has been found only on white cars at the end of BN2 production.

Following the comprehensive sorting, restoration, and refurbishment of its engine, body, and chassis, this BN2 was furnished with a lovely set of center-locking knock-off wire wheels. In addition, a sporting pair of Lucas fog lamps are mounted to the roadster’s front bumper.

Since entering Sarah Jury’s collection in January 2020, this handsome BN2, which retains its numbers-matching engine, has rarely been driven though continually admired and appreciated. In September 2024 it won an Antique Automobile Club of America First Place Junior Award, a testament to its outstanding presentation. With less than 700 miles traveled since being restored, this BN2 is truly ready to be driven and experienced to the fullest by its next discerning custodian.