The Austin-Healey 100 is one of the most iconic British sports car designs. It was the first incarnation of the “Big” Healeys (compared to the tiny Sprite - opens in new window or tab.). The 100’s timeless design continued with minimal cosmetic changes through the last Austin-Healey 3000 for the 1967 model year.
item 1 of 15
The 1953 Austin-Healey 100 recently listed on eBay is one of the first examples built in the series. It’s a beautiful specimen that spent its entire life under the care of just two loving owners. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate details the Healey’s specifications when it left the factory.
Silver-Blue Paint, Blue Leather and Gleaming Chrome
Upon arriving in the United States, this left-hand-drive example was shipped directly to sunny California, where it remained. The mild weather helped the ’53 Healey avoid any signs of rust. As a result, this car, nearly 70 years old, is in impeccable condition.
The British roadster is finished in its original silver-blue color with a matching blue leather interior. Its owner completely restored the car in the 1980s. Since then, he added only 19,000 miles. It shows like a brand-new car, possibly better than when it left the factory.
The paint remains deep and lustrous, with no scratches or flaws. The gleaming chrome wire wheels - opens in new window or tab. and knock-off hubs - opens in new window or tab. are also flawless. They reveal like-new brakes at all four corners.
All the chrome and badging are in place. Even the scuff plates - opens in new window or tab. show no visible signs of wear. The car retains its original trunk-mounted chrome luggage rack.
A Focus on Driving
The interior provides pristine leather bucket seats, carpets, and door panels. The dashboard also looks new, with all factory instruments and switchgear in place.
This 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is a prime example of minimalist, functional design. The interior focuses on the driving experience. No unnecessary frills. The car features delightfully simple original door-pulls. They are a breath of fresh air compared to the complication of 21st-century handles, levers, and fobs.
The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood fires up with a classic Healey burble. Both the engine and three-speed manual transmission with overdrive are original to the car. They were rebuilt in the late 1980s.
Correction: When posted, this article indicated that the Austin-Healey for sale had disc brakes. Our mistake. The car obviously has drum brakes.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.