The first creation of the collaboration between the Austin Motor Company and Donald Healey was the Gerry Coker-designed Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 two-seater, first shown at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1952.

The remarkable 1954 100/4 BN1 on offer here benefited from the fastidious care of the original owner, Robert L. Gunther, who was its careful custodian for more than 60 years. Mr. Gunther used the Austin-Healey as regular transport to Florida’s Sebring track in the 1950s and as a daily driver in Texas in the 1960s. He described driving it as “akin to putting on a nice comfortable pair of shoes.” In 1988, Geoffrey Healey, son of Donald, confirmed to Mr. Gunther that this was one of only seven 100/4s known to him, at the time, to be in the hands of its original purchaser. Although he eventually amassed an impressive Austin-Healey collection, Mr. Gunther retained this red BN1, his first Austin-Healey, until his passing in 2018.

Under current ownership, this incredibly original Austin-Healey was sympathetically treated to an engine tune-up, along with new leather seats with frames, Everflex tonneau cover, filters and gaskets, and correct tires. According to the consignor, the Austin-Healey has only been refreshed as needed, and is noted in a fascinating article on file to retain the majority of its original paint. The original tool kit, seats, and side curtains are included, as are invoices from recent work. This is an outstanding and unrepeatable example of a cherished original Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.