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Austin Healey VIN Location, Chassis & Engine Number Guide

Austin Healey owner checking chassis and engine number locations in an open engine bay

Find Your Austin Healey Chassis, Body & Engine Numbers

Austin Healey models were built before the modern 17-character VIN system, so owners often need to identify the original chassis number, body number and engine number instead. These numbers are important when confirming the model, checking restoration details or ordering the correct replacement parts.

Use the guide below to locate the main identification plates and understand how Big Healey, Sprite and Midget chassis numbers are read.

Austin Healey BN1 to BN4 car and body number plates on the firewall

CAR & BODY NUMBER | BN1 TO BN4

On most BN1 to BN4 models, the chassis number, often referred to today as the VIN, and the body number are located on the firewall.

Austin Healey BN6 to BJ8 rectangular chassis identification plate on the firewall

CAR & BODY NUMBER | BN6 TO BJ8

BN6 to BJ8 models use a rectangular chassis identification plate mounted on the firewall.

Austin Healey engine number plate on the cylinder block

ENGINE NUMBER

The engine number is stamped on a plate attached to the cylinder block. On 100/4 models the plate is on the right-hand side of the block; on 100/6 and 3000 models it is on the left-hand side.

What Do The Numbers Mean?

Once you have found your Healey chassis number, the letters and numbers can help identify the model type, body style, drive side and production sequence. Use the examples below to read the number format used on Big Healey, Sprite and Midget models.

Big Healey chassis number breakdown

Big Healey chassis numbers use a compact letter-and-number format. This BN2 example shows how the prefix identifies the engine size, body style, model series and drive side before the car’s serial number.

B
Engine size
N
Body style
2
Series
L
Left hand drive
567890
Serial number

Engine size

B = 2000-2999cc

Body style

N = 2-seat tourer

T = 4-seat tourer

J = Convertible

Note: BN4 is the main exception. Although it uses the BN prefix, BN4 cars are 2+2 roadsters.

Series

1 & 2 = 4-cylinder

4, 6, 7 & 8 = 6-cylinder

Drive side

L = Left hand drive

No L = Right hand drive

Serial number

The final section is the car’s serial number. The number length varies by model and production range.

Sprite & Midget chassis number breakdown

Sprite and Midget chassis numbers use a related but more detailed prefix. This example shows how the marque, engine code, body style and series number work together before the drive-side letter and serial number.

H
Marque
A
Engine code
N
Body style
9
Series
L
Left hand drive
77590
Serial number

Marque

H = Healey / Austin-Healey

G = MG

A = Austin

Engine code

A = Engine code used in Sprite/Midget chassis prefixes

Note: confirm the exact engine specification by chassis range and engine number, especially on later Midget 1500 models.

Body style

N = 2-seat roadster

Series

The prefix and series number help identify the Sprite or Midget model range.

Sprite series

AN5 = Mk1 Sprite, 948cc

HAN6 = Mk2 Sprite, 948cc

HAN7 = Mk2 Sprite, 1098cc

HAN8 = Mk3 Sprite, 1098cc

HAN9 = Mk4 Sprite, 1275cc

HAN10 = Late Mk4 Sprite, 1275cc

AAN10 = Austin Sprite, 1275cc

Midget series

GAN1 = Mk1 Midget, 948cc

GAN2 = Mk1 Midget, 1098cc

GAN3 = Mk2 Midget, 1098cc

GAN4 = Mk3 Midget, 1275cc

GAN5 = Later Mk3 Midget, 1275cc

GAN6 = Midget 1500

Note: Mk1 Sprite chassis numbers normally use the AN5 prefix. Later Austin Sprites use the AAN10 prefix after the Healey name was dropped.

Drive side

L = Left hand drive

Blank = Right hand drive on the simple format shown

Some later or export cars may use additional letters, so always check the full chassis prefix.

Serial number

The final digits are the car’s serial number. Some later cars may also include suffix letters after the number.

Replacement ID Plates & Decal Sets for Healey Restorations

BN4 - BT7 Decal set

DECAL SET | AUSTIN HEALEY BN4 - BT7

All the decals you need to give your car the finishing touch.

Set includes:

  • 1x "12V Lucas Coil" sticker
  • 1x metal "AUSTIN" plate | Available separately ENG750
  • 1x metal "GIRLING" sticker | Available separately BRK104S
  • 1x metal "012" plate | Available separately ENG752
  • 1x "IMPORTANT" sticker
  • 1x "Triplex" label
  • 2x "COOPERS" air filter stickers | Available separately FCM3480

Order BN4-BT7 Decal Set

BJ7 - BJ8 Decal set

Decal Set | Austin Healey BJ7 - BJ8

All the decals you need to give your car the finishing touch.

Set includes:

  • 1x metal Smiths Healey plate | Available separately CHT212
  • 1x metal "AUSTIN" plate | Available separately ENG750
  • 1x Chassis ID plate | Available separately IBP231
  • 1x "12V Lucas Coil" sticker
  • 1x metal "012" plate | Available separately ENG752
  • 1x SU petrol pump sticker
  • 1x "IMPORTANT" sticker
  • 1x "TUDOR" sticker
  • 1x "TECALEMIT" sticker
  • 1x "Triplex" label
  • 2x "COOPERS" air filter stickers | Available separately FCM3480
  • 1x metal "GIRLING" sticker | Available separately BRK104S

Order BJ7-BJ8 Decal Set

Replacement Decals for Sprite & Midget Restorations

Austin Healey Sprite MK1 decal set

DECAL SET | AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MK1

All the decals and plates you need to give your Sprite MK1 the finishing touch.

Set includes:

  • 1x uncut "TUDOR" label strip
  • 1x metal "AUSTIN" plate | Available separately ENG750
  • 1x engine patent plate
  • 1x Austin car and engine number plate | Available separately IBP231
  • 1x heater caution plate
  • 1x Smiths heater identification plate | Available separately CHT212
  • 1x Smiths rotation label
  • 2x "COOPERS" air filter stickers | Available separately FCM3480
  • 3x "LUCAS ENGLAND PATENTED" label strips

Order Sprite MK1 Decal Set

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Austin Healey chassis number the same as a VIN?
Austin Healey models were built before the modern 17-character VIN system, so the original chassis number is often referred to today as the VIN. For identification, parts ordering and restoration checks, the chassis number, body number and engine number are all useful.
What if my Sprite or Midget chassis number has extra letters?
Some later or export cars may use additional letters, so always check the full chassis prefix. For exact engine specification, use the chassis range together with the engine number, especially on later Midget 1500 models.
Where do I find the chassis or body number on a Big Healey?
On most BN1 to BN4 models, the chassis number and body number are located on the firewall. BN6 to BJ8 models use a rectangular chassis identification plate mounted on the firewall.
Where is the Austin Healey engine number?
The engine number is stamped on a plate attached to the cylinder block. On 100/4 models, the plate is on the right-hand side of the block. On 100/6 and 3000 models, it is on the left-hand side.
Why do Sprite and Midget chassis numbers look different from Big Healey numbers?
Sprite and Midget chassis numbers use a related but more detailed prefix. The letters and numbers can identify the marque, engine code, body style, model series, drive side and serial number.

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