• British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate
• This BN1 100/4 is the result of an extensive documented restoration
• Fitted with the ‘Le Mans’ engine upgrade
• Current owner for 26 years
Austin Healey produced the BN1 between 1953 and 1955, history files show this BN1 was built on the 29th of March 1954. In the same ownership for 26 years, this BN1 has had no expense spared when it comes to maintenance and servicing over the years. Offering fingertip light steering accompanied by a delightful exhaust note from an engine with plenty of grunt, the BN1 is the purist model from the Austin Healey line-up.
After a long period of being without an Austin Healey, the current owner purchased OXX 435 in March 1997 as the 4th owner. At that time, the car was without its original registration, instead using OSU 331. This was soon rectified with the car’s original registration, OXX 435 aptly reunited with the car, completing its matching engine, chassis, and body numbers.
Restoration was entrusted to Austin Healey specialist Bernie Clover in Norfolk. He got to work stripping the car down to a bare chassis to assess the level of work required. Documented with pictures in the car’s history file, extensive fabrication and coachwork repairs were made to restore the chassis and body to its former glory. All mechanical components including the engine were treated to an overhaul with attention paid to keeping as many original parts as possible through restoration rather than buying new.
With restoration work to the chassis, body, and mechanicals complete, OXX 435 was painted in glorious Carmine Red, with contrasting navy-blue interior and matching navy-blue dashboard. To further add to the BN1’s outstanding appeal, there is fitted the 4-speed gearbox from the BN2 with overdrive on the top two gears. Overdrive is a great feature for any classic car, and this Healey’s driving experience is made even more enjoyable with overdrive, assisting on low, and high-speed roads. With the addition of a tonneau cover, folding roof, and side windows, this BN1 can be enjoyed in a variety of configurations.
After experiencing some engine issues in 1999, the current owner decided it was time for an upgrade. Renowned race engine builder Denis Welch rebuilt the engine to Le Mans specification. This performance upgrade takes peak power from 90 to 110bhp. Since then, OXX 435 has greatly benefitted from no expense spared maintenance and servicing by ourselves, fully documented in the car’s history file.
Perhaps one of the most desirable British sports cars of all time, this Austin Healey BN1 offers the next owner much joy and driving excitement for touring and shows.
