Body styling was by Gerry Coker, the chassis was designed by Barry Bilbie with longitudinal members and cross bracing producing a comparatively stiff structure upon which to mount the body, innovatively welding the front bulkhead to the frame for additional strength.
[7] A 1954 BN1 (chassis #446766*4) is on permanent display in the Bonneville Salt Flats exhibit at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Other features that distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint.
Approximately 70% of 100Ms were finished with a two-tone paint scheme, including one White over Red and another in Black over Pink for display at the 1955 London Motor Show.
Five works development/special test cars carrying the "SPL" chassis number prefix were developed during 1953 and 1954, with one winning its class at Sebring in 1954 and prompting the "S" designation.
Only 50 production 100S cars were made, hand built by the Donald Healey Motor Company at Warwick, delivered between February and November 1955 and carrying the "AHS" chassis number prefix.
[12] To minimize weight and improve performance the cast iron cylinder head was replaced by a Weslake designed aluminium one, and the overdrive unit was not installed.
[13] To further lighten the vehicle, bumpers and hood (convertible top) were eliminated, the grille reduced in size, and the windscreen made of plastic.
This car was involved in the 1955 Le Mans disaster, motor racing's most lethal crash—in which 84 people died and 120 were injured.
[citation needed] "EVV", as the car is colloquially known, sold for £673,500 at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction on 27 June 2014.
Some simple modifications, lightening, by removal of the bumpers, interior trim and carpets, the 100 can be quite nimble on racing circuits around the world.