Austin Healey 100
The original "Big Healey" — a handsome, low-slung roadster that put a small British firm on the map overnight.
Designed by Donald Healey and shown at the 1952 London Motor Show to immediate acclaim, the Austin-Healey 100 paired startlingly clean, low bodywork with dependable Austin mechanicals underneath. The partnership between Healey's small firm and Austin's manufacturing scale let the car reach production almost immediately — and it went on to become one of the defining British sports cars of the 1950s.
History
The prototype, badged simply "Healey 100," debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show and impressed Austin's Leonard Lord enough that a production partnership was agreed on the spot — the car was renamed Austin-Healey and reached showrooms within months, unusually fast for the era.
The 100 used a 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine from the Austin A90, chosen for its proven reliability rather than outright sophistication — a pragmatic pairing that let Healey focus his effort on the chassis and bodywork that made the car special.
The 100M (1955–56) added a factory performance package, while the rare 100S (1955 only, roughly 50 built) was a genuine competition version with an aluminum body and disc brakes — one of the most valuable Healeys ever built as a result of its scarcity and racing pedigree.
Notable Versions
100M
Factory high-performance package with a louvered hood and higher-output engine tune — roughly 1,100 built.
100S
1955 only, approx. 50 built. Aluminum body, disc brakes, genuine competition car. One of the most valuable Healeys in existence.
100-4
The standard production car, so named after the later six-cylinder 100-6 arrived to distinguish the original four-cylinder cars.
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
Rust in the frame, sills, and floor is common and structural
The 100's separate chassis and body both rust in well-documented spots — a specialist inspection is essential before buying.
Verify 100M and 100S authenticity carefully
Given the significant value premium, confirm chassis numbers against factory records rather than trusting badging or a seller's description alone.
Check the overdrive unit's function
A common factory option that's expensive to rebuild if not working — test it directly during any inspection.
Inspect brightwork and trim completeness
Original chrome and trim pieces are increasingly hard to source in good condition and affect both usability and value.
Confirm engine originality
Numbers-matching cars carry a real premium; engine swaps are common after seven decades of ownership.
Quick Specs
- Engine
- 2.6L OHV I4
- Horsepower
- 90 hp (100) – 132 hp (100S)
- Wheelbase
- 90 in
- Weight
- approx. 2,150–2,300 lbs
- Transmission
- 3-speed manual with overdrive
- 0–60
- approx. 10–11 seconds
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
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