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I'm no A-H expert, but....

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Being as far from an Austin-Healey expert as anyone... I don't think they offered an automatic transmission any years of the Austin-Healey. I semi-cheated and consulted my "Standard Catalog of Imported Cars: 1946 - 1990", they only mention the availability of a standard transmission for all years from what I could determine.

Having said that... An automatic transmission in a British sports car back in those days is not entirely unheard of. I believe the Sunbeam Alpine roadster of the 1960's was offered at some point with an automatic, so maybe this was a rare option? Or maybe a retrofit of the transmission at some point?
 
OK Steve...

Just looked at some pictures of 100/4 Healey, you're right! I guess the first thing I looked at was the summary of the car at the top, and the word "automatic" stood out to me.

This car seems to be something quite interesting, almost claiming to be something it isn't, but then it sounds like the seller is no expert or enthusiast of British cars either so it could be an error of "ignorance". I'm sure someone will straighten out this listing.
 
Its a 100-4 with a side shift standard tranny.

To bad about the condition its in. =/
 
Yep, looks like a 100-4, if the grill is any indicator. He hasn't any paperwork with the car, so he's probably just guessing at the year (and if he's that clueless, he may not even know the difference between and auto-trans and a stick).

Then again, this is e-Bay. If you've seen some of the horror stories on here lately, this car might be a modified Miata!

[ 01-28-2004: Message edited by: aeronca65t ]</p>
 
It's definitely a 100-4, which can be identified by the shape of the grill and windscreen pillars, plus it's lack of door handles, on top of which it looks vaguely similar to the car sitting out in my garage! Mine's a BN1 - 3-speed manual; I think the BN2 (4-speed) had the extra reflectors above the tail lights like the ebay car. NONE had an automatic transmission! The valve cover looks original, so I don't think it's a case of a transplanted engine with automatic transmission. In any event, it sure is in bad shape for a car with zero miles!

Sharon
BN1
 
Nice and cold in Calgary or what?

Greets from ex Manitoban
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Wim

Yup! probably about -30 C outside right now, haven't started my car since Sunday and almost afraid to until it warms up slightly... (according to the forecast, tomorrow wil be - 18
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), my brother-in-law's car didn't start this morning so he's working from home today, one prong of my block heater cord is stuck under the bumper cover and just haven't gotten around to dislodging it yet, hope the car starts tomorrow because I have to be somewhere tomorrow night
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.
 
I sent the guy an E-mail last night suggesting that he revise the information.

I didn't get an answer from him...

I guess he figures what do I know(?), afterall, it's been in his family all this time (parked outside with the top down
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)
 
Healeygal,

In order to enhance my 'anorak' status I'm afraid I need to qualify your conclusions!
wink.gif
The rear reflectors became a legal requirement in the UK in 1955 so where also fitted to the late BN1s (like mine). The only other way to tell between the BN1 and BN2 is (obviously) the 3 or 4 speed markings on the gear knob, the position of the ignition barrel and overdrive swtich on the dashboard (which were swapped at the introduction of the BN2) or the gap between the tyre and front wing. Unfortunately the photos on Ebay aren't good enougth to distinguish any of these.

So anorak status established, I rest on my laurals
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Barefoot:
Looks like they tried to tow it from the back, and the bumper came unglued (serious rust?)<hr></blockquote>

It is a 56 BN2. Seriously rusted, to the point of disaster.
D
 
I like the radio installation.

Best--Michael Oritt, 100 Le Mans
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by catfood:
Healeygal,

In order to enhance my 'anorak' status I'm afraid I need to qualify your conclusions!
wink.gif
The rear reflectors became a legal requirement in the UK in 1955 so where also fitted to the late BN1s (like mine)...
So anorak status established, I rest on my laurals
thumbsup.gif
<hr></blockquote>

Hi Steve,

I'm sure you're 100% correct! Mine's an early BN1 (#156130) built around April or May of 1954 I've been told (don't have the Heritage Certificate), and it doesn't have the reflectors. I had heard they reflectors came in 1955, assumed it was the BN2's - oops!

By the way, the emblem on the boot reads Austin of England, not Austin-Healey. Do you know the story on that?

Sharon
BN1
 
Well, looks like Steve gets the brownie points. Like I said, I'm no expert, but I've always liked the 100-4 styling the best, so when I saw a 100-4 being labeled a 3000 Mk III, I picked up on it.

I'm not saying there's any intentional misrepresentation. I'm guessing a friend who thinks he knows more than he does told him that is what it is.

The condition is bad, but you experts out there, does it look salvageable,...not that I'm in the market right now. I'm just curious.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by healeygal:

By the way, the emblem on the boot reads Austin of England, not Austin-Healey. Do you know the story on that?
Sharon
BN1<hr></blockquote>

The script was changed from A of E to AH about Aug. 1954. Never heard exactly why - maybe to further establish the Healey identity. Maybe some kind of corporate politics / power play. The front always did say AH.
D
 
Wow, five bidders and 9 bids already. It's over $1200.00 and the reserve isn't met. I think $500.00 is too much.

Looks like the standard side shift transmission to me.
 
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