Buyer’s Guide — Austin Healey 100
What to know before buying an Austin Healey 100.
Overview
The Austin Healey 100 was produced from 1953 to 1956 in two series: the BN1 (1953–1955) and BN2 (1955–1956). Approximately 14,600 were built. Originally designed by Donald Healey and displayed at the 1952 London Motor Show, Austin’s Leonard Lord struck a deal on the spot. Powered by an Austin 2,660 cc four-cylinder engine producing around 90 bhp, with a three-speed gearbox (BN1) or four-speed with overdrive (BN2), the 100 could genuinely reach 100 mph — hence the name.
What to Look For — Body & Chassis
| Chassis | Check the box-section chassis for rust, particularly at the front crossmember, rear spring hangers, and outriggers. A corroded chassis is expensive to repair. |
| Shroud (Bonnet) | The one-piece front shroud tilts forward — check the hinges and supports. Aluminium panels don’t rust but can crack and corrode at steel-to-aluminium joints. |
| Floor Pans | Steel floor pans rust from beneath. Check for filler and poor repairs. Replacement panels are available. |
| Sills & Rocker Panels | Inner and outer sills trap moisture. Poke around with a screwdriver to check for soft metal. |
| Rear Shroud | The rear body behind the seats collects water and debris. Lift the trim and inspect. |
What to Look For — Mechanical
| Engine | The Austin 2.6L four-cylinder is robust. Listen for bottom-end knock (worn mains) and check oil pressure — should be 40+ psi driving, 15+ at hot idle. Check for oil leaks at rear main seal. |
| Gearbox | BN1 has a three-speed with overdrive on 2nd and 3rd. BN2 has four-speed with overdrive on 3rd and 4th. Check synchros and overdrive operation — Laycock overdrive units can be expensive to rebuild. |
| Overdrive | Ensure the overdrive engages and disengages cleanly. Sluggish or non-working overdrive usually means solenoid or hydraulic issues. |
| Brakes | Drums all round. Check for pulling, fade, and proper adjustment. Drum brake components are readily available. |
| Steering | Cam-and-peg steering should have minimal play. Worn king pins cause wandering at speed. |
| Wire Wheels | If fitted, check splines on hubs and wheels for wear. Wobbly wire wheels mean worn splines — expensive to fix. |
Parts Availability
Excellent parts support from specialists like Moss Motors, Denis Welch Motorsport, and the Austin Healey Club. Most mechanical and body parts are available as reproductions. Trim and interior parts can be sourced through specialists though some items are costly.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
A sorted 100 is a strong, torquey sports car that rewards smooth driving. The big four-cylinder engine has plenty of low-end pull. Steering should be direct with good feedback. The ride is firm but not harsh. The overdrive should engage with a clean click and the car should cruise comfortably at motorway speeds. Wind noise is part of the experience.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| Project / Needs Restoration | $40,000 – $65,000 |
| Good Driver | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Excellent / Restored | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 100M or 100S Specification | $150,000 – $400,000+ |
BN2 models typically command a small premium over BN1 due to the four-speed gearbox. Factory Le Mans and 100S models are significantly more valuable.