2021-07-05 20:05:20 | Chris writes:

www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1956-austin-healey-bn1-100-m-no-reserve-4060-32

ARTCURIAL AUCTION December 3rd 2020
Lot 32

French title
Chassis No 160567

- A thrilling roadster with superb configuration
- Prepared with 100 M specifications
- Full restoration for almost €115,000
- No reserve

This type BN1 Austin Healey has been fully restored and is presented today in a magnificent 100 M Le Mans configuration, with a "British racing Green" colour associated with a green leather interior and matching green carpets. It is the outcome of a 3 years restoration work carried out by a serious classic car professional who also managed the subcontracted jobs on behalf of the owner. The latter acquired this desirable BN1 from Texas in 2014 as part of a barn find. The restoration was very thorough and no stones were left unturned. The bodywork was stripped off, primed before painting and damaged sheets were also replaced. The chassis has also been treated. The engine was revised and included the block's re-coating of the bore and surface, the replacement of pistons, connecting rod bearings, timing belt and valves (guides and cylinder head studs too). Additionally, it also had the installation of a new type 100 M camshaft, a new aluminium cylinder head with a steel gasket three times the normal size, an aluminium rocker and the crankshaft's rectification. The overdrive 4-speed gearbox, which was already fitted to the car when it arrived in France (instead of the original 3-speed gearbox), was of course completely redone too. The clutch was also replaced in addition to the servicing of the entire transmission and the refurbishment of the running gear. As well as Le Mans kit specifications (camshaft, H6 SU Carburettors, intake manifold, air filter, alternator, specific cams and valve springs, etc…), technical improvements were also made to this car in order to be more competitive, such as the installation of an electronic ignition and an aluminium fuel tank. Let's not forget the car's aesthetics: the upholstery, trim and instrumentation were restored and carpets were changed. As stated in numerous invoices, almost €115,000 has been spent to make this English roadster the beauty it is today. In fact, it's with this perspective in mind that it was fitted with a bonnet in louvres aluminium, additional long-range spotlights, a side exhaust with 72-spoke rims and no soft top. It will however be delivered with its tonneau cover and storage cover. This superb BN1 has only covered a hundred miles since the end of its restoration and will have to be run-in again before unleashing all its very promising and dynamic potential.

Estimate 70 000 - 90 000 €

sold 82 248 € / 99240 $