Healey’s ultimate racer for the road
Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works team had entered two subtly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hour Race. They finished in 12th and 14th places, an incredible achievement for what were effectively production sports cars. Accordingly, the name ‘Le Mans’ was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which private owners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the works' entries. The kit included a pair of SU carburetors, special inlet manifold, uprated camshaft, valve springs, and a distributor with alternative ignition advance curve. With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp.
From 1955, the conversion was available, factory-fitted on the successor BN2 model in the form of the 100M. In addition to the Le Mans kit, the latter boasted high-compression pistons, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, special Armstrong front dampers, and a louvered bonnet. Power increased to 110bhp and top speed, with the windscreen folded flat, was within a whisker of 120mph.
The car featured here is a BN2 example, the Austin-Healey 100. Completed at the Longbridge Austin-Healey plant on Valentine's Day, 1956, but believed to have been modified by Donald Healey Works in Warwick to 100M Le Mans specification. The left-hand-drive Austin-Healey was equipped with a heater, kilometres per hour speedo, double vertical dip headlamps, a blue hard top, sliding side screens and a laminated windscreen. The sports car was finished in Healey Blue over Blue upholstery and with weather equipment.
The car was then delivered to Belgium where it was likely used for sports and competition events. It later migrated to the United States where it has remained to this day. The Austin-Healey has been kept in largely original and preserved condition over the years and retains its original engine, bodywork, 100M Le Mans parts and paintwork which now carries some lovely patina.
Bonhams will be offering this beautifully original 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans Specification at their upcoming Amelia Island Auction held on the 5th March. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos © Courtesy of Bonhams.