2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
110bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed, Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Retaining matching-numbers engine and body panels
*Comprehensive restoration performed
*Desirable and rare factory 100M Le Mans Healey
*One of just 640 factory Le Mans cars

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

The comprehensively restored 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans offered here is a true, factory Le Mans 100M. As recorded on the vehicles Heritage Trust Certificate, this example was completed on June 21, 1956, destined for the USA, like most of these iconic British roadsters, where it would make its original delivery to Los Angeles, California. Equipped from factory with the 100M Le Mans package, this BN2 was built with a louvered bonnet, laminated windscreen, wire wheels, cold air intake, and heater.

Presented beautifully in restored condition today, this BN2 wears red exterior paint over a black leather interior with red piping, a color combination that this example has had since 1982. Showing in exceptionally well maintained condition, this example is features the four-speed manual transmission, and the numerous smaller improvements implemented during the course of production since the introduction of the BN1 in 1953.

This 100M BN2 Le Mans is being sold with its tool kit, jack, spare tire, and Heritage Trust Certificate. The engine and body tags remain in great condition, and reflect the numbers identified in the Heritage Trust Certificate showing that this is a matching numbers example from factory.

This fine example of one of Britain's most iconic Roadsters looks and performs like a true sports car should. This BN2 is described as having a spirited engine, that gets through canyon roads with ease and comfort while also reliably navigating open highway, displaying good acceleration, handling, and a smooth gearshift. Equipped with the desirable 100M Le Mans upgrades from the factory, the 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. 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.