1953 Austin Healey 100 S

The 1953 Austin Healey 100S is one of the most iconic and revered British sports cars, known for its combination of style, performance, and racing pedigree. Developed as a specialized version of the Austin Healey 100, the 100S was designed specifically for competition, with the “S” standing for “Sebring,” a reference to the car’s participation in the 12 Hours of Sebring race in the United States. 

The Austin Healey 100, introduced in 1952, was already a successful sports car, known for its sleek design and strong performance. However, the 100S took things to another level, incorporating significant modifications aimed at making it a serious contender on the racetrack. The car was the brainchild of Donald Healey, who was keen to establish the Austin Healey brand in international motorsport. 

One of the most significant changes in the 100S was its engine. While the standard Austin Healey 100 was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-four engine, the 100S featured a highly tuned version of this engine, equipped with a high-compression aluminum cylinder head, a cold air box, and twin SU carburetors. These modifications allowed the engine to produce around 132 horsepower, a significant increase over the standard model’s output. This power, combined with the car’s lightweight construction, gave the 100S impressive performance for its time, with a top speed of over 120 mph. 

Weight reduction was a key focus in the design of the 100S. The car featured an all-aluminum body, which not only reduced weight but also improved the car’s handling and agility. The chassis was also modified, with a revised suspension setup that included stiffer springs and a lower ride height, further enhancing the car’s cornering abilities. The braking system was upgraded as well, with the 100S being one of the first British sports cars to be fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels, a significant advancement that improved stopping power and reliability in racing conditions.