The new Austin-Healey 100 was the hit of the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show in London. With its robust good looks, fold-down windshield, leather seats and full weather equipment, it was the first 100-plus miles per hour sports car that the proverbial man-in-the-street could afford. Just over 10,000 of the first model, the BN1, were built from 1953 to 1955, when the BN2 was introduced.

Along with many detail improvements, the BN2’s most important change was the addition of a four-speed gearbox. Only 4,602 BN2’s were produced by the time the run ceased in 1956 and the evolution of a no-frills roadster into a luxury six-cylinder touring car began.

In honor of Austin-Healey’s participation in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hours, a special tuning kit, which significantly improved the performance of the car, was made available. The factory produced 640 Austin-Healey BN2’s with the kit installed, and it was designated as the 100M. The kit was also made available to dealers and owners to modify existing cars. It’s reported to be proper to designate these cars as 100’s, “with Le Mans Modification Kit” or more simply, “100 Le Mans.” The car being offered has the Le Mans kit installed, which includes original larger carburetors, cold-air box and a louvered bonnet with buckled leather hold-down strap. The car comes with the Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Registry certificate. With 110 brake horsepower, a sub-10 second 0- to 60-mph time and improved braking, this Austin-Healey is comfortable in traffic despite being almost 60 years old.

The car is reported to have had one owner since 1981. It was completely disassembled and restored in 1986 by marque specialist Vintage Restorations on Long Island, New York. The goal was to make it as authentic as possible using original parts as much as feasible. It retains its original engine as recorded on the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and was repainted in the original color of Reno Red lacquer with black leather, piped in red with black trim elements and black soft-top. When the restoration was completed, it was displayed at 18 concours events on Long Island from 1986 to 1995. It was awarded 12 first in class awards, six seconds and one Best-in-Show. Since 1995 it has been primarily a Sunday driver.

Starting in 2011, the car has received a very extensive freshening. All of the engine compartment components were removed and restored, plus the front and rear suspension and steering was removed, disassembled and refinished. The entire chassis and engine compartment were repainted and the running gear re-installed using all new hardware. The paint still looks fresh and glossy, and the interior and trunk look as good as when it was first restored. The convertible top and side curtains still look new. The engine is strong and the car handles and brakes very well.

As more information about Autin-Healeys has surfaced over the years, the opportunity was taken during the freshening to correct any deviations from original in accordance with the official Austin-Healey Club of America Concours Guideline. For instance, the carpet was changed from a plush-type of weave installed in the ‘80s to the Karvel carpets, which has again become available. Some very rare parts, such as a date-coded N.O.S. coil, distributor cap, jack and knock-off hammer were found and added to the car. A proper wiring harness with cloth-covered wires was installed along with new brake lines. To enhance its road worthiness front disc brakes from a later model Austin-Healey were added. The original drum brakes will accompany the car to its next owner. Modern foil-backed floor insulation was added to the interior so the car is comfortable, even on warm days. The car retains the dual six-volt battery configuration with proper Lucas helmet-style terminals. Additional features include dual fender-mounted mirrors, 48-spoke knock-off wire wheels, wood-rimmed steering wheel, complete Smiths instrumentation, foglights, badge bar, plus toolkit and books.

For a thorough listing of the new components and the processes which this beautiful car has received, please contact your Auctions America Specialist.