1952 Austin Healey 100/4

The 1952 Austin Healey 100/4 is a pivotal model in the history of British sports cars, marking the beginning of the celebrated Austin Healey brand. The car was the first in a line of iconic vehicles that combined performance, style, and affordability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts both on the road and in motorsport. 

The Austin Healey 100/4 was the brainchild of Donald Healey, a former rally driver and engineer who aimed to create a sports car that could compete with the best from Europe and the United States. The “100” in its name referred to its ability to reach 100 miles per hour, a significant benchmark for the time, while the “4” denoted its four-cylinder engine. Healey’s vision was to build a car that was not only fast but also accessible to a broader market, unlike the expensive sports cars from Jaguar and Aston Martin. 

The 100/4 made its debut at the 1952 London Motor Show, where it was met with great acclaim. The car’s sleek, low-slung design, created by Gerry Coker, featured a long bonnet, a two-seater cockpit, and a distinctive grille that would become a hallmark of the Austin Healey brand. Its design was both elegant and purposeful, capturing the essence of a classic British roadster. 

Under the bonnet, the 100/4 was powered by a 2.6-liter inline-four engine borrowed from the Austin A90 Atlantic. This engine produced 90 horsepower, which, coupled with the car’s relatively lightweight construction, allowed it to achieve its namesake 100 mph top speed. The engine was mated to a three-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on the top gear, which effectively provided the driver with five forward gears, enhancing the car’s flexibility and performance. 

The 100/4’s chassis was based on a simple but effective ladder frame, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling, making the car enjoyable to drive both on the road and on the track. The car also featured a folding windscreen, which could be lowered to give it a more aerodynamic profile and a racier appearance. 

The Austin Healey 100/4 quickly became popular with driving enthusiasts and racers alike. It was particularly successful in motorsport, where its combination of speed, handling, and reliability made it a formidable competitor. The car was entered in numerous endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it performed admirably against more powerful rivals. 

Production of the Austin Healey 100/4 began in 1953, with cars being assembled at the Longbridge plant of Austin’s parent company, the British Motor Corporation (BMC). The car was offered at a competitive price, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers and contributing to its success in both domestic and international markets. 

The 100/4 laid the foundation for the Austin Healey brand, leading to the development of subsequent models like the 100M, 100S, and the “Big Healeys” that followed. Its blend of performance, design, and affordability helped establish the marque’s reputation as one of Britain’s most beloved sports car manufacturers.