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What is a completely original 1954 100-4 worth?

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The generator may be original, or at least a correct replacement, except for that chrome tape wrapped around it! Looks like some kind of label on the radiator fan shroud that's not original either, although the radiator looks correct. I'm very surprised to see an original coil - those are very hard to find.

The plug boots are not original - they should be straight, not angled.

Is there still the slide switch on the dash flange for turning on the instrument lights or has that switch been repurposed for the driving lights?

First pass, that's what I see.
 
Bill- The generator seems to have an engine-turned sleeve on it -- not tape, aluminum. The label on the fan shroud is a very old oil-change label that can't be read anymore. The sliding switch is still there, there is a small toggle next to it for the driving lights. Thanks for the comments!
 
britlover said:
Bill- The generator seems to have an engine-turned sleeve on it -- not tape, aluminum. The label on the fan shroud is a very old oil-change label that can't be read anymore. The sliding switch is still there, there is a small toggle next to it for the driving lights. Thanks for the comments!
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Engine "Dress-up Kits", usually chrome, were pretty popular in the '50s and early '60s amongst hot rodders and often included a generator cover. Since the owner added an aftermarket valve cover it wouldn't be surprising if he added a little bling to the generator, too. I'm not familiar enough with 100 generators, but it's pretty likely you'll find an original one if you take off the sleeve.
 
britlover said:
Which items are not original underhood besides the valve cover? I was surprised to see "engine turning" detail on the generator -- not an original part I suppose? Anything else I should be aware of/ look for? The original valve cover is wrapped in 1950's newspaper in a box, as are other consumed/ replaced parts. I am new to the Big Healey world, having owned only a MK2 Sprite race car years ago, so I have a lot to learn. I will apply soon for a heritage certificate, and document everything I can.

The driving lights have a very descreet switch mounted to the underside of the dash flange, and I really like them too. The previous owner was a car designer at Studebaker when he purchased the car, and retired from Chrysler Design in 1991. He had an eye for proper details. He removed the bumper overriders when new, and wrapped them in newspaper because he didn't like how they looked...
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The other stuff besides the valve cover and the generator body is really minor. There should be a hose between the front air cleaner and the valve cover, but the aluminum aftermarket valve covers did not have the fitting for the hose. The radiator hoses used a different type of ribbon clamp. They had what is called the cotter pin twist key. I can't really be sure, but in the picture, the clamps on your car look like the typical screw type ribbon clamp. The ignition wire spark plug connectors were straight, but I don't know if you can find them like that anymore. If you take some close-up pictures of under the hood, the battery boxes, the trunk and the interior I'll be happy to take a look to see if anything else jumps out at me.

You should know that the 54 100s came with the black or blue air cleaners. Yours are black and that is correct. I had to look that one up to be sure. From 55 on they were painted hammer tone green and that is the color I always expect to see.
 
AH100M said:
The generator may be original, or at least a correct replacement, except for that chrome tape wrapped around it! Looks like some kind of label on the radiator fan shroud that's not original either, although the radiator looks correct. I'm very surprised to see an original coil - those are very hard to find.

The plug boots are not original - they should be straight, not angled.

Is there still the slide switch on the dash flange for turning on the instrument lights or has that switch been repurposed for the driving lights?

First pass, that's what I see.
Click to expand...


Bill. I just noticed that you already pointed out the spark plug caps. I guess I didn't read your post before I wrote mine.
 
Quite a find ! Congratulations. I believe the valve cover is a rare piece. I had a similar one on my 100 except that it had an "Austin Healey" designation on it.
The fuel line between the carbs which connects via banjo bolts bears watching. Over a number of years racing I have seen some have fail which causes a fire hazard because of its location. Most racers, including, myself replace this piece with an Aeroquip stainless piece for safety reasons. Not sure if this is an issue on street cars but I thought it was worth mentioning.
 
You're very lucky, that looks a lovely old car and to me the seats look restorable and the original Connolley Vaumol leather, so I hope you won't replace it. Unless of course it's tearing and has dried out.

I'm envious. :encouragement:
 
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