Lot 115

Monterey 2012

1956 Austin-Healey 100M "Le Mans" Roadster

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$192,500 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
BN2L232348
Engine No.
1B232348M
Body No.
582113778

110 bhp, 2,660 cc OHV inline four-cylinder engine, twin SU H6 carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, overdrive, independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and anti-sway bar, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 90"

• A documented, factory-built 100M with alloy body

• One of 640 built and approximately 260 known to exist today

• Fresh, complete restoration by specialists Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane

• Matching-numbers engine; listed in 100M Registry; BMIHT certificate

In response to a BMC-sponsored competition for an all-new sports car using Austin mechanical components, Donald Healey presented his “Hundred” sports roadster at the 1952 Earl’s Court Motor Show. With its sleek Gerry Coker-designed body, chassis by Barry Bilbie, and engineering led by Geoff Healey, the roadster attracted the favor of BMC’s Leonard Lord, and it was quickly renamed the Austin-Healey 100. Series-production commenced early in 1953 and immediately following introduction; Donald Healey’s “Hundred” became an unqualified sports-car legend that was particularly beloved in North America.

Prior to the Mille Miglia and Le Mans 24 Hours in 1953, four BN-1 models were race-prepared by Donald Healey and Roger Menadue, and these cars were the first Austin-Healeys prepared for international competition. The pair entered at Le Mans and were highly successful, taking Second and Third in their class.

The experience gained from these “works” cars resulted in the subsequent high-performance 100M, which remains, without a doubt, the most desirable early Austin-Healey variant. Major 100M upgrades included a high-lift camshaft, larger carburetors, high-compression pistons, free-flowing intake manifold, cold air box, and a special distributor. Engine output increased by 20 hp, and the suspension received larger anti-roll bars, while a Le Mans-specification leather strap retained the louvered bonnet. Production of the 100M commenced on September 5, 1955, and when 100M production ended on July 16, 1956, just 640 examples were factory-built. In addition, roughly 500 "Le Mans" conversion kits were sold to Austin-Healey dealers or car owners to convert standard models to the higher "Le Mans" specification. According to experts, of the 640 cars built at the factory, approximately 260 are known to exist today.

This very rare, factory-built, alloy 100M benefits from a full body-off-frame restoration, freshly completed by the respected experts Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane. Beautifully presented throughout, the exterior was refinished in two-stage Dupont polyurethane silver, complemented by an interior finished in red leather seats, red vinyl interior panels with matching English wool carpeting, and a special-order red Armacord trunk kit, along with a new, red Everflex soft top, tonneau cover, and matching red side-curtains.

The matching numbers engine, four-speed gearbox, and overdrive unit were rebuilt using all-new parts. The twin 1¾-inch SU H6 carburetors were rebuilt and feature polished domes. The original 140 mph speedometer and 6,500 rpm tachometer were rebuilt as well. New mechanical items include a jet-coated exhaust manifold, a new steel exhaust system, brake lines, master brake and slave cylinders, fuel lines and fuel pump, as well as a refurbished gas tank, new four-row radiator, and all-new electrical components and cloth wiring harness. Furthermore, the rear differential houses 4.11:1 gears, and the four brake drums are jet-coated, concentric-ring units.

Other features include an original 16-inch banjo-type steering wheel, drop-down racing windscreen, re-chromed, original, heavy-gauge bumpers, 48-spoke chrome wire wheels with a set of new Roadspeed American tires (185x15), and a spare tire. Accompanied by full photo-documentation, a 100M “Le Mans” Registry Certificate of Membership, and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming it is indeed a genuine, factory-built 100M, this striking example is simply superb throughout and is offered with a one-year drive line warranty from Healey Lane.