1954 Austin Healey BN1
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- One of only 221 Coronet Cream cars in this specification
- Extensive bodywork and mechanical restoration
- Austin Healey Magazine May/June 2023 issue cover star
- Controle Technique valid to October 2025
- Just 85 miles covered since refurbishment completed
The Appeal
In 1953 Donald Healey celebrated the British Queen’s Coronation with a run of special BN1s finished in Coronet Cream. These very rare cars are so sought-after that one is in pride of place in the Netherlands’ Healey Museum.
This March 1954 car was one of the last of those built. Just 221 were finished in its fetching Coronet Cream with red interior.
It has covered just 85 miles since a comprehensive, high-end restoration where carefully attention was paid to replicating that notable factory specification. The work covered the bodywork, a AH Spares chassis, cabin retrim and mechanical overhaul with gearbox rebuild. The work was celebrated with a cover story feature in the May/June 2023 issue of Austin Healey Magazine.
Supplied to market with a recent Luxembourg technical inspection, this is a stand-out example of Donald Healey’s masterpiece and one with a fascinating story.
History and Paperwork
- Registered on 23rd March 1954
- BMIHT certificate confirms factory specification
- Originally exported to North America when new
- One of the last of the Coronet Cream celebration cars to be registered
- Vendor advises that just 221 cars of this colour combination were built
- A similar example with a blue interior is in the Netherlands’ Healey Museum
- Passed the technical inspection in Luxembourg in October 2023
- The Controle Technique is valid to 4th October 2025
- The serial numbers are reported to match
- Full restoration with only 85 miles travelled since completion
- Photographic record of restoration work
Highlights of the recent restoration:
- Head pulled and valves relapped and new valve seals fitted
- Cylinder walls checked and confirmed to be in good order
- Gearbox disassembled and rebuilt with new gaskets and seals
- SU carburettors professionally rebuilt
- AH Spares replacement chassis
- Aluminium hood replaced with AH Spares part
- Original aluminium boot refurbished and refitted
- Chromework rechromed by high end specialist
- New wiring harness
- Mostly original electrics
- Starter motor upgraded to desirable high torque unit
- Two new 6volt batteries fitted to factory specification
- Retrimmed interior with new seats, frames and rails in factory correct red
- Door cards retrimmed to correct BN1 specification
- New 48-spoke painted wire wheels
- New Dunlop 15in tyres fitted all round
- Refinished in very close match to original Coronet Cream colour scheme
- King pins replaced to delivery tight steering feel
- New black fabric roof with sidescreens
- Stainless steel exhaust painted black to closely match factory specification
The Condition
- Very well kept freshly restored car in factory-correct colour scheme
- Panel fit and attention to originality notable
- Complete photographic restoration with AH-Spares chassis
- Original metal preserved where possible
- Original chrome pieces restored
- New cloth-wrapped wiring harness fitted
- Entire upholstery redone with real leather
- New wheels and tyres fitted
- New black hood and side curtains fitted
The quality of this car’s restoration is evident from the photographs. The rare Coronet Cream colour scheme is a refreshing alternative to the more common reds, whites, blacks and two-tone finishes of these stylish cars.
Careful attention was paid during the restoration to replicating the factory colour tones. Where possible originality was also prioritised - including reusing the original aluminium boot lid - but where necessary new parts, largely supplied by AH Spares, were used. These included an aluminium bonnet and chassis. The quality of the work is evident from the panel fit.
Elsewhere the brightwork has been rechromed by a high end specialist and the interior retrimmed, paying attention to the specific details of the early BN1 cars.
With barely any use since completion it arrives with the buyer in virtually box-fresh restored condition.
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers engine and gearbox
- 2,660cc 90bhp engine checked and partially rebuilt as detailed above
- Original rebuilt gearbox with three speed and factory overdrive system
- Engine reported to be in good mechanical order with matching numbers
- Original SU carburettors rebuilt with SU parts
- High-torque starter but electrics are otherwise factory-correct and original
- Two 6-volt tar top batteries as originally designed
- Stainless steel exhaust painted matt black for original look
- King-pins replaced to improve steering feel and response
- Has covered just 85 miles since high end restoration
The restoration process also covered the car’s mechanicals, again prioritising originality. Thankfully it remains a matching numbers car. The engine was checked and assessed during restoration and found to only require partial work - which is detailed above - alongside rebuilding the SU carburettors. The 3spd gearbox has also been rebuilt.
A long Controle Technique attests to the car’s condition and running.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Austin Healey
- Colour Beige
- Odometer 85 Miles
- Engine size 2660
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Hamm
- Location International
- Country Luxembourg
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