AUSTIN HEALEY 100-4 BN2 1956 1000 miglia eligible

AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/ 4 BN2 – 1956

French origin – Fully restored – Mille Miglia eligible

This beautiful Austin-Healey 100/ 4 BN2 was built on July 3, 1956, and originally delivered to the official British car importer in Paris, confirming its French origin.

It was later exported to the United States, where it remained for over fifty years, until 2007. That year, the car was brought back to Italy in completely original, unrestored condition. Despite requiring full restoration, it was structurally sound, with most of the original body panels intact and all period-correct components present.

Before restoration began, in order to verify its complete authenticity, the car was certified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust on October 17, 2008. The certificate confirms the matching numbers for the chassis, engine, body, and original color combination.

A comprehensive restoration followed, lasting over four years and carried out by specialist workshops with great attention to historical accuracy and detail.

The original seats were completely dismantled to reconstruct the internal structure, the padding and the wood, maintaining the original covers which were repositioned on the restored frames.

In 2012, the car was registered in Italy for the first time since new.

In 2009, it was awarded the ASI Certificate of Historical Relevance. In 2024, it obtained the prestigious FIVA Certification and was also recently accepted into the Registro 1000 Miglia, making it eligible to participate in the world-famous Mille Miglia, known as the most beautiful race in the world.

The Austin-Healey 100/ 4 BN2L is one of the most iconic British sports cars of the 1950s. Produced between 1955 and 1956, it represents the evolution of the earlier BN1 model, featuring key technical improvements that make it particularly prized by collectors and classic car enthusiasts today.

Among the main updates introduced with the BN2 version:

• A 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on third and fourth gears, replacing the previous 3-speed unit with overdrive found in the BN1. This provided better performance and drivability.

• An upgraded braking system, with larger drums and improved friction materials.

• A stronger rear axle, designed for more demanding sporty driving.

• Refined interior layout, including a repositioned gear lever and revised wheel finish.

The designation BN2L means:

• BN2: second version of the 100/ 4 model.

• L: left-hand drive, aimed at the American and continental European markets.

The engine is a 2, 660 cc inline-four, derived from an Austin commercial vehicle unit but significantly reworked for better performance. Producing around 90 horsepower, the 100/ 4 BN2 could reach speeds over 100 mph (160 km/ h), impressive for its time.

Production of the BN2 was limited: only around 4, 604 units were built between August 1955 and July 1956, before the launch of the more powerful Austin-Healey 100/ 6.

Today, the BN2L is highly sought after for its blend of British elegance, mechanical reliability, and vintage sportiness. It is also eligible for many historic races, including the Mille Miglia, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking for a classic sports car with racing pedigree