Purchased by the current owner in California in 1982 – and still with the original California black license plates – this Austin-Healey 100 BN2 was manufactured in February 1956. Assembled at Jensen’s with a louvered bonnet, it has been verified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and is listed in the 100 M Le Mans Register as a genuine factory-built 100 M, one of the 640 Healeys converted during production to the specifications of the 100s that were raced successfully in 1953 at Le Mans.

The restoration was completed in the past two years with attention to concours details, replacing worn components but using all original fasteners except on safety-concern suspension parts. Originally Florida Green over Old English White, the car has been carefully repainted in correct Healey Ice Blue over “OEW,” with careful attention to the curve in the swage above the front wheels. It retains all of its original body-numbered panels and parts, including the boot lid, front “modesty panel,” cockpit surround rails, and the special-order 100 M bonnet.

The engine has its original Le Mans distributor and more recent original-spec H6 carburetors, cold-air box with Le Mans plate, high-compression pistons, and a Huntley high-lift cam. Interior trim and seats were done by Heritage Upholstery, which supplied the trunk kit, and the new soft top is from Robbins. New 48-spoke chrome wire wheels and Lucas driving lights are concours-correct. The attractive aftermarket chrome valve cover is period correct, but the original engine-green valve cover comes with the car. Other aftermarket touches include Lucas tripod Le Mans headlamps and padded bonnet strap as fitted to English cars of the period. It comes with a period jack, nearly all tools, owner’s manual, factory parts manual, and a Le Mans-spec leather bonnet strap.

Eligible and suitable for many classic car tours, this is a reliable and attractive example of the most desirable of Austin-Healeys.