1955→1956 Austin Healey 100 BN2
After producing the original Austin Healey 100 for nearly 2 years, the upgraded BN2-series cars added a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive and numerous detail differences to the package.
Availble for the first time was an optional two-tone package which paired White-Black, Reno Red-Black. Healey Blue-White, Black-Reno Red and Florida Green-White.
Upgrades available to the BN2 included an M kit with larger carburettors, a cold-air intake, high-lift camshaft and 8.1:1 compression cylinder head. These parts were availble as a Le Mans package which could be ordered and installed on any Healey 100.
Total production of the BN2 reached 4604 cars from August 1955 to July 1956. These were replaced by the 3000 cars which were fitted with the six-cylinder engine.1
Total production of the BN2 reached 4604 cars from August 1955 to July 1956. These were replaced by the 3000 cars which were fitted with the six-cylinder engine.1
Sources & Further Reading
1, Anderson, Gary & Roger Moment. Austin-Healey 100/100-6/3000 Restoration Guide. MBI: 2000.
In Detail
submitted by | Richard Owen |
type | Series Production Car |
production years | 1955 – 1956 |
built at | Longbridge, Birmingham, England |
production | 4604 |
engine | A90 Inline-4 |
position | Front, Longitudinal |
aspiration | Natural |
block material | Cast Iron |
valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
fuel feed | Twin SU Carburetors |
displacement | 2660 cc / 162.32 in³ |
bore | 87.3 mm / 3.44 in |
stroke | 111.1 mm / 4.37 in |
compression | 7.5:1 |
power | 67.1 kw / 90 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
specific output | 33.83 bhp per litre |
bhp/weight | 91.09 bhp per tonne |
torque | 203.4 nm / 150 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm |
body / frame | Aluminum & Steel Body over Steel Frame |
driven wheels | RWD |
wheel type | Steel Wire Spoke |
front tires | 5.90-15 |
rear tires | 5.90-15 |
front brakes | Girling Hydraulic Drums |
rear brakes | Girling Hydraulic Drums |
f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
curb weight | 988 kg / 2176 lbs |
wheelbase | 2290 mm / 90.2 in |
front track | 1240 mm / 48.8 in |
rear track | 1290 mm / 50.8 in |
length | 3850 mm / 151.6 in |
width | 1540 mm / 60.6 in |
height | 910 mm / 35.8 in |
transmission | 4-Speed Manual with Overdrive |
tran clutch | Single-Plate Borg & Beck |
final drive | 4.125:1 |
0 – 60 mph | ~10.5 seconds |
0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.5 seconds |
fuel capacity | 54.6 litres or 14.41 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1956 Austin-Healey 100 BN2L 230518 – sold for $66,000 Matching numbers example.Professionally restored throughout. Desirable BN2 model in Le Mans trim. Wonderful example of Britain’s quintessential Roadster. Offered with Heritage Trust Certificate and restoration receipts.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Le Mans – sold for $96,800 Desirable BN2 Le Mans Model. Certified Matching-Numbers Car. In the Care of Two Owners for 55 Years. Frame-Up Restoration Completed in January 2014. Accompanied by Tool Kit and Heritage Trust Certificate.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1957 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2L230866 –
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum
Auction Source: 2013 St. John’s Auction
1956 Austin-Healey BN2 100/4 Coupe – sold for $50,000 One of one. One owner since new. 37,609 original miles. This unique steel body was built to owners specs by California Metalworks, the same company that built Shelby’s Coupe’s bodywork, soon after purchase. This unique car has been featured on the cover of the Healey Magazine and also in 1966 Road and Track Magazine.
Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Le Mans BN2L 231762 – sold for $119,900 One of the Great Sports Car Designs of the 1950s.Equipped with Desirable Le Mans Modification Kit and Period Accessories. Successful Show Participant. Offered with Books, Tools and BMI Heritage Trust Certificate. Certified with the 100 M Le Mans Registry. Ideal Candidate for Vintage Rallies and Driving Events.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1954 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 Roadster 152971 –
Auction Source: Amelia Island 2012 by RM Auctions
1956 Austin-Healey 100 Le Mans BN2-L/228075 – sold for $114,400 One of the Great Sports Car Designs of the 1950s. Matching-Numbers BN2 Model. Restored by Renowned Marque Expert Fourintune. Equipped with Desirable Le Mans Modification Kit and Period Accessories. Successful Show and California Mille Participant. Offered with Books, Tools, Restoration Records and BMI Heritage Trust Certificate. Ideal Candidate for Vintage Rallies and Driving Events.
Auction Source: 2012 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company
1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Roaster BN2-L/228210 –
Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions
1956 Austin-Healey 100 Le Mans BN2L/233290 –
Auction Source: 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island RM Auction