Lot details
Registration No: TOX 611
Chassis No: BN1/143755
Mot Expiry: June 2011

Donald Healey's eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show. It was based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals and sported a sleek body designed by Gerry Coker and built by Tickford. It was dubbed the 'Healey Hundred' (a moniker chosen to reflect the car's ability to reach 100mph), and, subject to a suitably encouraging response, Healey planned to build production versions in-house at his factory in Warwick. As things transpired, not only did the Ice Blue prototype more than impress the public, but also so excited Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge. The newcomer was renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The rest, as they say, is history.

The production bodyshells were made by Jensen and then transported to Longbridge where the cars were assembled alongside the A90. The early cars (code named BN1s) were equipped with the same 90bhp 2,660cc engines and manual four-speed transmissions as the A90 though, in an unusual move, Austin modified the gearbox so it operated as a three-speed unit with overdrive on the top two ratios. The car had 11in drum brakes all round. The front suspension was independent by coil springs while the rear featured a traditional live axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. The steering was by cam and lever. A BN1 tested by Motor magazine in 1953 returned a top speed of 106 mph and achieved the 0-60mph dash in 11.2 seconds.

'TOX 611' is a very special motorcar with a fascinating history. Originally destined to be a 1953 BN1 model (the original chassis plate is still attached to the vehicle), it was apparently withdrawn from the production line before completion and, while still in primer, placed in the care of Dick Gallimore of Austin's experimental/prototype workshop. For the next three years it was given over to development duties, and reputedly became one of four prototypes built to asses the viability of upgrading the 100 from four to six-cylinder power. Certainly, it was extensively modified to accept the 2,639cc C Series engine still installed and was converted from a 2 to 2+2 seating arrangement. It is therefore a vital link in the evolution of the Big Healey.

The vendor tells us that at some stage it was fitted with a supercharger and tested at Silverstone by Stirling Moss. It is also said to have been prepared for the Earls Court Motor Show, though never displayed. Among the car's many special features are: wind-up perspex windows, fixed perspex quarter lights, Girling front brake discs (very rare in the early '50s), adjustable rear dampers and round cooling vents in the front wings reminiscent of those from the Healey Silverstone- two on the nearside and three on the offside. The body panels are unique - the alloy front shroud and bonnet have a more pronounced shape than standard and the grille is also different. The car was sold to Basil Cardew in 1956, at which time it was described as a BN4 Prototype in 'as new' condition.

The handmade bodywork is finished in Reno Red, complemented by a two-tone red interior and the car rides on chrome wire wheels. The previous keeper kept it for 20 years, during which time it is said to have been extensively restored. The work would seem to have stood the test of time well, as the vendor describes the coachwork as "good" and the paintwork, engine and transmission as "very good". The car is MOT'd into June 2011 and comes complete with Heritage Certificate.

The sale of 'TOX 611' presents a unique opportunity to purchase a fascinating slice of British sports car history.