Has anyone ever seen or heard of this?

[stevebn2bj7]

Found this at an auction house listing this weekend. Interesting car but I have never heard of a prototype of this fashion.

https://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/lotdetail.php?lotid=29393&aucid=29964

H&H Auctions July 21-2010 Healey Prototype

 

[Randy Forbes]

I'm not in a position to quote chassis numbers, but I'm certain that Bill Emerson's The Healey Book, addresses this. I know that there is at least one "BN3" in there.

If this car can be documented, then I'd believe it is real.

 

[stevebn2bj7]

Just looked at the book and he says that there were 4 BN3 prototypes and has pictures of two. Those looked like BN1's but were stretched. No info on the other two. Chassis numbers of those are within range of this one.

 

[HealeyRick]

Buick called, they'd like their portholes back. And what's up with two portholes on the left fender, three on the right?

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Foot vent for the driver.
If it was a LHD, it would be reversed.

Good guess, huh?

 

[Michael Oritt]

I've never heard of this car or program, but there is one thing that gives the story some credence: The windshield stantions, though one piece, are curved as on the BN1's and 2's versus much straighter as on later roadsters. I agree that Bill Emerson would probably know and I think I will send him a link to see what he says.

 

[Lin]

It is very much for real.
Lin

 

[TomFromStLouis]

I never imagined they had some SO modified as this one apparently is. It would be nice to see more pictures, but the 6 cylinder engine, front scoop and 100S grill are all so much later than early BN1s it is incredible. Why change the shape of the front grill?

 

[richch]

According to the chassis number, this drops it into a BN1 production date of about 2nd week of September 1953, in other words pulled from the line extremely early, they were still just gearing up for production. The numbers and bits for the BN3 cars date almost a full year later, at least the ones on BN3/4. I wonder why they list the original 4 cylinder engine number?
I am very skeptical about this car. The doors look to be the longer 6 cylinder ones, therefore the wheelbase would be of a 6. The radiator would be a later thing and the bonnet is that of a later 6 with the prop rod over on the right side. A lot of this car looks very home built.
As for being one of the missing BN3's, I was involved in the discovery and rescue of the very ugly BN3/4 which is pictured in Emerson's book. If genuine, there should be a brass Warwick BN3/X on the bulkhead. Think about it, the Healeys were in charge of development, not Austin's, and they would at least have worked together on it or DMH would never allow his name to be on it.

Rich Chrysler
Hundred Registrar

 

[Michael Oritt]

I heard from Bill Emerson and he says that yes the car is real and it is written up in one of his books.