1955 Austin Healey 100/4

Designed by Donald Healey with robust components from the Austin A90 Atlantic, and featuring Gerry Coker’s exceptionally beautiful, simple bodywork, the prototype for what was originally named the "Healey Hundred" was driven to the 1952 Earl's Court Motor Show in London.

It was an instant, overwhelming sensation. Customers were enthralled by its sleek styling and promised high-performance-for-money, creating massive buzz.

Crucially, its impactful debut caught the eye of BMC Managing Director Leonard Lord, who was so impressed by the design and public enthusiasm that he finalized a production deal with Healey before the show even closed. The car was rebadged as the Austin-Healey 100, securing BMC-backed mass production and cementing its status as an immediate automotive legend.