1953 Austin Healey

Convertible

Unspecified

Unspecified

BN1L 138986

Gasoline

We lpreviously listed this vehicle as a 1955 or 1956 Austin Healey BN2, however we were not sure exactly what it was other than being an Austin Healey 100. So we cancelled the listing so we could get the right information out. We apologize to everyone who bid on the car and those who were following the ad, but felt there was a need to be more accurate. We did not know what the vin number was or how to determine it as we have misplaced the title.Very fortunately, we had Rich Chrysler of the Hundred Registrar contact us with the following information which I will quote directly as it greatly clarifies what the car is and we sincerely appreciate his insight and attention to the matter. Dear Ray "This is probably among the first production BN1's brought into Canada. Her vin would be BN1L 138986 and JM4222 is Jensen Motors Batch4222, and 42 is the 42nd body shell built. It would have come off the Longbridge production line about early July 1953 and would have been Healey Blue with dark blue trim. I'd bet the remains of boot lining trim in the pictures will prove to be dark blue. If you can find the original ivory plastic vin plate, it originally would have been fastened to the inner left front kick panel just to the left of the driver's knee. It would look like this picture. Please let me know who buys the car so I can keep track of ownership. Can you send me your full name, and address for the records? Know any past owner's names" Thanks very much, Rich Chrysler Hundred Registrar After further examination, the vin plate is gone but both the Chassis number and Jensen Motors attachments are there.The colour under at least five coates of paint is blue and the boot linings, as predicted, are dark blue. I love real experts. The body is as you see it with added flares. The fenders look to have been cut to accomodate the flares which are not metal.The front and rear shrouds are in good condition with no apparent aluminimum deterioration. The hood has been louvered. The trunk lid is good and there is no apparent rust in the trunk. Looking under the hood shows there are some modifications but the actual frame seems to be reasonably sound. There is no sag in the vehicle. I believe the rockers have been replaced and possibly the floors at some point. There is no rust apparent in these areas. The doors have bubbling at the bottoms and probably have pin holing. The actual paint has also bubbled in areas but this appears to be just crappy paint rather than deterioration. Bubbles in it can be easily popped off ( as can just about any of the paint) but do not cover body issues. The car had a 1961 Corvette 283 and Borg Warner 4spd installed in the 1970's but this and the original drive train are long gone. The front appears to have Healey 3000 front disc brakes.The rear end is a loosely installed 8" Ford to allow the car to be mobile. There are parts missing, so what you see is what you get.The dash is enthusiastic 70's, but I believe the steering wheel is original. Understanding what this car is, probably the first Healey imported into Canada and the 42nd car produced, it seems only respectful to restore the vehicle instead of following the hot hod format. Having done a couple of Phase 11, 3000 BJ8's, and seeing the simplicity of this car, a correct restoration is readily viable.Please inquire with any questions.On Jul-23-11 at 05:28:40 PDT, seller added the following information: I have been informed that a company in Australia, Kilmartin Sheet Metal can supply all the parts required to address any structural changes the car has received from the V8 conversion.