2023-01-22 16:20:28 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction in '21

www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-35---1955-austin-healey-1004/&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=503&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=1& ...

Auction description:

6th Oct, 2021 13:00

The Pavilion Gardens Buxton

Lot 35

1955 Austin-Healey 100/4

Subtly Upgraded with 5-Speed Transmission and Front Disc Brakes

Estimated at £45,000 - £55,000

Registration No: 430 XVK

Chassis No: BN1- L224662

MOT: April 2022

Supplied to the USA in left hand drive configuration

Finished in desirable 'Ice Metallic Blue'

Fitted with uprated '3000' front disk brakes

This BN1 on offer is an original left-hand drive USA export market example and was the subject of must previous restoration work, reportedly carried out to an exceptional standard more than twenty years ago. The 'Big' Healey is now finished in Ice Blue (having been colour changed from the original Spruce Green) and is trimmed in complementing Navy Blue leather - The vendor states "it was a frame-off restoration that showcased a full respray (including the floor pans). You would not be able to tell the car was a different colour from factory unless you had been told previously. The car has just had a brand new soft top fitted as well as brand new side screens in case you were to get caught out in a storm. It’s also just had 5 new radial tyres and tubes. It also sports a new upgraded single 12V battery instead of the standard 2x6v batteries. All electronics work as they should including the well know troublesome self-cancelling indicator and horn switch. The seats are leather, carpets look well as do the door cards. Possibly the biggest highlight of this car is its California history — it is basically rust free from body to frame."

The vendor states that the odemeter reads 12,213 and assures us that '430 XVK' "drives as well as it looks". A rare opportunity for the ever-growing army of early 'Big' Healey collectors to purchase a vehicle equally suited to a relaxing drive in the UK countryside, but with subtle upgrades and a left-hand driving position to make it a serious contender for continental and long-distance rallying. It comes complete with photographic evidence of the restoration and extensive service and MOT history, plus a current certificate valid into April 2022.