1954 Austin-Healey 100-4 Convertible

The Healey 100 debuted at the Earl's Court Motor Show in October of 1952 with a price of. On the day before the show opened, the head of the Austin Motor Company told Healey that he wanted the car to be built by Austin. He argued that Healey could only manage 20 or so cars a week, whereas Austin could produce 200. Healey agreed, his car was quickly rebadged "Austin-Healey," and his asking price was £750. When automobile magazines got the chance to drive the new Austin-Healey, praise was generous, tempered with comments on what we now call "character." Road & Track editors "were unanimous in rating the 100 as the best allround handling car encountered this year," In 1953, Austin-Healey made waves in the sports car world when two of their factory-specification cars clinched 2nd and 3rd place in class at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, even surpassing many purpose-built competitors to secure 12th and 14th place overall. The impressive performance of these cars sparked a surge in demand from customers eager to enhance their own vehicles to match the Le Mans entrants. This particular Austin Healey 100-4 is a 2 owner car: -It was purchased by Dr. Charles Riester and transported to his home in Atlanta, GA. He removed the convertible top and hung it on the garage wall until 1982, when purchased by the second owner. Robert Wilson, of Downers Grove, IL who was a long-time engineer, enthusiast, mechanic, and collector specializing in British, antique, and special interest cars, purchased the car from Dr. Reister, in 1982. It was kept in his private collection until April of 2024, when it was purchased by Northshore Sportscars of Lake Bluff, IL. The car has been recently serviced and is in excellent driving condition. -It was the first to have the U.S. mandated rear reflectors -The engine block was painted red for the NY show as cars were prepped by MG. -Three speed manual transmission with overdrive -Finished in two-tone black and silver with a red accent line -Interior upholstered in red leather with a matching red folding soft top, tonneau, and side curtains -Accompanied by a rarely seen and highly desirable removable after market hard top -It was fitted with a Dennis Welch alloy cylinder head and stainless steel exhaust in 2006 -The original jack, handle, hammer, oil skin bags, owners handbook, factory service manual