Lot 38
1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans Specification
Sold for US$ 52,640 inc. premium
follow
Quail Motorcar Auction14 Aug 2020, 11:00 PDT

Los Angeles
1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans Specification
Chassis no. BN2-L/230571
Engine no. 1B/230571/M
2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
110bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission w/ Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Rare Export 100M delivered new to Morocco
*Numbers matching and documented by its British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
*Recently repainted
*Fitted with Le Mans Modification Kit

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact motors.us@bonhams.com?subject=Sched...torcar Auctionfor scheduling.


THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 100M LE MANS

Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works had entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. They finished in 12th and 14th places, a highly praiseworthy achievement for what were recognizably 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 1¾" SU HD6 carburetors, plus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs, and a distributor with alternative ignition advance curve. With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp.

From October of 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 number of BN1s converted by their owners is unknown, but 1,159 cars—mostly BN2s—were built or subsequently modified to 100M specification between 1955 and 1956. Of these, approximately 640 were completed at the factory, some 544 of which were exported to the USA.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is an extraordinary example of the increasingly popular Austin-Healey 100 BN2 which is eligible for some of the most prominent motoring events around the globe. According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this fine Austin-Healey was completed at the Longbridge Austin-Healey works on January 27, 1956 in Reno Red over Red leather and a black top. A left-hand drive BN2 model, this example was destined to Gilta Rabat S.A. in Morocco. The new Healey featured the four-speed overdrive transmission and the numerous smaller improvements implemented during the course of production since the introduction of the BN1 in 1953. The left-hand-drive Austin-Healey was equipped with a heater, miles per hour speedometer, Duplo double vertical dip headlamps, and a laminated windscreen. Under the Le Mans-style louvred and leather strapped hood are a familiar polished aluminum engine head cover, big twin SU carburetor, and further upgrades that are denoted by the plaque declaring this example to be upgraded to 100M Le Mans spec. Installation of the Le Mans Modification Kit is understood to have been carried out by the original dealer.

Entering the collection of the previous, Long Island, New York owner in 2013, the current owner acquired the car December 2018. In the ensuing years the Healey has been restored and most recently in September 2019 received a repaint in English White over black with an interior newly retrimmed in red leather seats with black piping. Under the present ownership the car has been carefully kept and stored in a climate-controlled garage. Most recently, the car was shown at the inaugural Audrain Concours d'Elegance in Newport, Rhode Island.

Equipped with the desirable 100M Le Mans upgrades dating back to very possibly Donald Healey's famous workshops when the car was brand new, this BN2 is true to the model's performance heritage and would be a wonderful entry on a number of classic car driving events and rallies. The Healey's engine and body tags are still intact and match the Heritage Trust Certificate. Overall, this wonderful example of Austin-Healey's excellent 100 BN2 should offer its next owner much joy and driving excitement.

This 100M Le Mans is offered with owner's handbook, tool roll, jack, tonneau cover, documentation of the repaint and the British Motor Industry-issued Heritage Trust Certificate. Mille Miglia eligible, the classic 100M Le Mans Healey remains one of the most popular mid-century sports cars ever produced, and this fine example deserves serious consideration.

Conditions of Sale View
Go to Motor