1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN1 '100 S Homage'

• Original right-hand drive BN1 delivered to Car Mart, London in September 1954
• Built in the style of the legendary Works 100S
• Engine configured to replicate an S unit with Weslake head and exhaust exiting under the right-hand door
• Correct 140 mph speedometer, oil temp guage and perspex screen provide a period view from the correctly styled slotted seats
• Further modifications of note include a 5 speed gearbox, uprated rear axle with LSD, disc brakes on all four corners, telescopic dampers, alloy radiator, large capacity alloy fuel tank, alternator and drive-enhancing rack and pinion steering
• Superbly built with an unmistakeable doff of the cap to the renowned Healey 100S

The 100S was developed throughout 1953 and 1954, and what emerged was a car that looked very similar to the standard 100 but was, in fact, built by hand at the Healey Works in Warwick, where scores of improvements and modifications were incorporated to make it more competitive in racing. As with any race car, weight was always a principal concern, and to lighten the 100S, an all-alloy body was used, along with an alloy substructure. To further contribute to weight savings, the standard cars bumpers were shed, as was the large glass windscreen and the weather equipment, which included the top and side curtains. The result was a curb weight of just 1,876 pounds. The 100S was a purpose-built racing car from the beginning.

The engine was also highly modified, resulting in a power increase from 90 to 132 brake horsepower. This was achieved by dozens of modifications, with the most apparent being a specially designed aluminium Weslake cylinder head that required the intake and exhaust manifolds to be on opposite sides from those of the production cars. Although ostensibly still an Austin engine, they were actually built at the Morris engine plant in Coventry.

Among other notable features of the 100S are the brakes. Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes at all four corners were cutting edge in the mid-1950s. The early Dunlop systems used a Plessey mechanical pump to energize the braking system. However, with advances in disc brake design, the pump was believed to be unnecessary, and Healey and Dunlop installed a new design in the Cooper 100S chassis. Through trial and error, the final set-up was determined and used on the subsequent 100S Healey's.

This particular Austin Healey BN1 with an all-alloy body is delightfully finished in Old English White over Lobelia Blue, with a dark blue interior. Now rebuilt and restored in homage to the renowned 100 S, this is a real head-turner. Attention to detail has clearly been at the forefront of the builder's thoughts to the extent that even the engine has been reconfigured to appear as a true 100 S with a Weslake aluminium head, high compression pistons, left-hand side twin SU carburettors and intake, alternator and a side-exit exhaust. The rear axle has also been uprated complete with LSD. It also has the correctly shaped front grille and contoured surround, differing from the original 100/4s, and disc brakes are fitted all round. Within the spartan cockpit, you will find further attention to detail including the correct type of slotted seats, 140 mph speedometer and correct oil temperature gauge, all adding to the period view through the Perspex screen. Externally the large Monza filler, louvred bonnet and bonnet strap all add to the appeal. Later additions include a Toyota five-speed gearbox with suitably mated clutch and prop shaft, rack and pinion steering and telescopic dampers to further enhance the driving experience, and a full tonneau cover keeps out the worst of the weather.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is a beautiful example, extremely well executed and not just a 100/4 with a few bolt-on bits. With a guide price at a fraction of the cost of the genuine article, this has to be worth more than your serious consideration.