1953 Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) has a curb weight of 987 kg (2175 lbs). This relatively light weight for a sports car of the 1950s plays a crucial role in its agility, acceleration, and handling. A lighter vehicle mass allows for quicker responsiveness and improved maneuverability, making the BN1 an enjoyable and nimble driving experience on winding roads or race tracks of the time.

The Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) features a ride height or ground clearance of 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ground clearance improves its road-holding abilities by lowering the center of gravity, thus enhancing cornering stability and reducing body roll. However, it also means the car is less suited to rough terrain or areas with elevated road obstacles, which is typical for classic sports roadsters focused on on-road performance.

The Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) is equipped with 15-inch rims, a standard size for sports cars of its time. These rims complement the car's lightweight construction and agile handling, providing a good balance between ride comfort and responsive steering feedback. The 15-inch wheels also allow compatibility with period-correct tire sizes that contribute to the vehicle's classic road grip and stability.

Given its compact size, the Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) easily fits into a standard garage. With a length of 3850 mm (about 12 feet 8 inches), width of 1540 mm (approximately 5 feet 1 inch), and a height of 1240 mm (around 4 feet 1 inch), it occupies less space than many modern vehicles. Most standard residential garages, which are typically around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) wide and 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) long, can accommodate the BN1 comfortably, making it practical for classic car enthusiasts who wish to store it securely indoors.

The Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) was the first model under the '100' series and did not have a direct predecessor as a 100 mph capable sports car from Austin-Healey. It was a significant step up from the earlier Austin-Healey roadsters based on lesser-powered models. Compared to Austin-Healey's previous small roadsters, the BN1's dimensions reflected a purposeful design for better aerodynamics and road presence, with a longer wheelbase and wider stance that enhanced stability and high-speed control. Essentially, the 100/4 BN1 was a first-generation model setting a new benchmark for size and performance.

When compared to similar British roadsters from the 1950s such as the MG TF or Triumph TR2, the Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) is quite competitive in size. It is slightly longer and generally wider than the MG TF (which is around 3560 mm long and 1448 mm wide) thus offering a slightly roomier environment and presence on the road. Its dimensions strike a balance between agility and driver comfort, favoring a lower height and sleek profile compared to some contemporaries, contributing to its distinctive look and driving dynamics within the classic British sports car segment.

The Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) is famed for its classic British sports car design featuring a sleek roadster style with a low, wide stance and two-seat configuration. It is powered by a 2.6-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of producing around 90 horsepower, which was substantial for its time. The model is well-known for its engaging driving dynamics, with front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and a 4-speed manual gearbox. Its wire-spoke wheels and minimalistic yet functional design aesthetics contributed to its iconic status among classic car enthusiasts. The BN1 set a standard for performance and style that would influence subsequent Austin-Healey models.

The interior of the Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) reflects its sports car nature with a snug two-seater cabin designed for driver engagement rather than luxury or space. Given its exterior width of 1540 mm (60.6 inches) and overall compact design, passenger space is limited but sufficient for average-sized adults. The low height of 1240 mm (48.8 inches) means headroom is adequate but tailored to a sporty posture. The cabin offers an intimate driving experience with a focus on essential controls and vintage styling cues rather than extensive comfort features, typical of early 1950s sports roadsters.

With its 15-inch wheels, the Austin-Healey 100/4 (BN1) originally came equipped with bias-ply tires that balanced road grip with ride comfort typical of the mid-20th century. The tire size was carefully matched to promote responsive handling and good traction on dry surfaces. While modern radial tires can enhance grip and safety on today's roads, the original setup allowed spirited driving on twisty roads with a direct connection to the driving surface through manual steering and chassis feedback. The 15-inch rims supported the lightweight wheels necessary to maintain its nimble character.