To say that Donald Healey got it right when he created his "Hundred" prototype roadster would be a very large understatement. Powered by the big 4-cylinder engine from the Austin A90 Atlantic sedan and covered in a low slung aerodynamic body designed by Gerry Coker it rested upon a chassis conceived from Healey's own finely honed and well developed skills.
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-----Aside from their very contemporary styling, the 4-cylinder Austin-Healeys are known for the strong performance provided by their long (4 3/8) stroke engines. It is no surprise that production got underway quickly and ramped up to the rate of 100 cars per week, mostly for the important American market where they were fitted neatly into the gap between Triumph's TR2 and the larger and more expensive Jaguar XK 120 and XK 140. Many Austin-Healey enthusiasts firmly believe the 4-cylinder cars are the epitome of Donald Healey's concept.
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-----14,634 Austin-Healey 100s were built in two series from 1953-56 before the fours were succeeded by the six-cylinder 3000 series. The 100/4s are true 2-seat roadsters, with a purity of line and sense of purpose that makes them cherished today. From the fold-down windscreen to the purposeful cockpit with prominent tachometer, a 100/4 is designed and executed with one paramount purpose: enjoying a quick spin down a winding road to the echo of a lusty engine.