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Austin Healey

Austin Healey - 100 (1956)

When you hear the name Austin Healey 100, the image that comes to mind is the sleek, low‑profile roadster that debuted in the mid‑1950s. Its 1956 incarnation became a symbol of British automotive elegance, marrying spirited performance with understated luxury. If you’re browsing a car pricing database and curious about the Austin Healey 100 price, you’re in the right place. The value of this classic never stays static; it changes with market demand, condition, provenance, and the time passed since that first 1956 launch.

Below, find an in‑depth snapshot of the 1956 Austin Healey 100’s technical characteristics, depreciation dynamics, market position, and how it stacks up against similar vintage roadsters. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what it takes to own a piece of automotive history and how to find the most reliable pricing guide for your next investment.

  • Engine: 1,448 cc straight‑four, single overhead cam
  • Power: 76 hp at 5,200 rpm
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual, non‑synchromesh
  • Fuel: Petrol (gasoline)
  • Carburetion: Single SU carburetor
  • Wheelbase: 92 in (2,341 mm)
  • Length: 152 in (3,861 mm)
  • Width: 62 in (1,575 mm)
  • Height: 54 in (1,375 mm)
  • Weight (curb): 2,910 lb (1,320 kg)
  • Braking: Drum brakes, rear-wheel independent
  • Suspension: Independent front (trailing arm), live rear axle
  • Tires: 5.10 × 12 (Europe) or 225 × 80 R12 (US equivalents)
  • Top Speed: Approximately 110 mph (177 km/h) in optimal condition
  • Fuel Consumption: Roughly 33 mpg (US) / 20 l/100 km

The Austin Healey 100 1956 price typically reflects the condition of the chassis, originality of components, and how well the car has been maintained. A pristine original roadster can fetch significantly more than a heavily altered or restored version. While we don’t provide specific dollar values, the “used Austin Healey 100 price” often ranges from a handful of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars depending on rarity, mileage, and provenance. Always cross‑reference multiple sources and the most recent auction results to stay current.

Depreciation Insights for the Austin Healey 100

Classic cars differ from modern vehicles when it comes to depreciation. In the first year after purchase, the Austin Healey 100 depreciation trend generally follows a high‑percentage decline, similar to newer models. Typically, you will see a loss of about 15‑20% of the vehicle’s original value in that first year, especially if the car was heavily used or not properly maintained. After this initial dip, the rate of value decline usually slows dramatically.

Classic models often experience the following depreciation trajectory in the United Kingdom and the United States:

  • Year 0‑1: 15‑20%
  • Year 1‑5: 4‑7% per year
  • Year 5‑10: 2‑3% per year
  • Beyond 10 years: Stabilization and potential appreciation for well maintained, historically accurate examples.

The principal factors affecting depreciation are authenticity, originality, ownership history, and the overall condition of the car. For instance, a 1956 Austin Healey 100 backed by a clean documentation trail and genuine parts will retire far more value than a car restored with non‑original parts and little provenance.

Comparison with Similar Models

To grasp the pricing climate around a 1956 Austin Healey 100, compare it to contemporaries in the same roadster segment. Pairing it side‑by‑side with the Jaguar XK120, Aston Martin DB2, and Triumph Herald offers a fairly representative market context.