LOT 35

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans Chassis no. BN2L30411 Engine no. 1B230411

Sold for US$78,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 35

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans

The Quail Auction|18 August 2023, 11:00 PDT|Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans
Chassis no. BN2L30411
Engine no. 1B230411

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

*Desirable and rare factory 100M Le Mans Healey
*One of just 640 factory Le Mans cars
*Offered with sizable history file, Heritage and Le Mans Registry Certificates
*Comprehensive restoration performed
*Retaining matching-numbers engine

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 CAR OFFERED

Offered here is an extraordinary example of the increasingly popular and rare, factory 100M Le Mans Healey, eligible for some of the most prominent motoring events around the globe. According to its Heritage Trust Certificate, this fine Austin-Healey was completed at the Longbridge Austin-Healey works on January 9, 1956. A BN2 model, this example benefits from having been factory equipped with the 100M Le Mans package including cold air intake, and other performance enhancing details. Furthermore, it featured 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 left-hand-drive Austin-Healey was equipped with a heater, louvered hood. and a laminated windscreen from the factory. It was finished in two-tone Ivory White and Black, over black upholstery and weather equipment. During the restoration, white piping was added to the seating, quite an attractive addition. Like most of these iconic British roadsters, this Left-Hand Drive BN2 was destined for the North American market.

Even with its older restoration, most recently returning the body to its two-tone factory colors of white and black, the car presents very well and shows little use since the completion of the refurbishment. Exterior features include a replacement soft top, fender-mounted mirrors, badge-bar-mounted driving lights, chrome bumpers with overriders, all accessories, books, tools and drop-in wind deflectors. This BN2 shows four owners since new. All inner body moldings, louvered hood and rear trunk lid have correct and original stampings. Used multiple times during 2021 and 2022 for local concours events and gatherings. Very reliable, and eligible for nearly any vintage racing or rally.

This fine example of one of Britain's most iconic roadsters looks and performs like a true sports car should. 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. 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 100M BN2 should offer its next owner much joy and driving excitement. Recent service includes fluids changed, head gasket, carbs cleaned and readjusted, correct 100M distributor located and installed, overdrive unit serviced, brakes serviced, water pump, various ignition parts replaced. The car had the exterior/interior serviced in 2020 and the engine / mechanical serviced in 2021 and 2023.

Extensive documented ownership history includes vehicle registrations, transfers of ownership, bills of sale, and titles that date back to the 1972. British Motor Industry Heritage Trust documentation throughout multiple owners, in period photographs of Donald Healey and previous 100M owner. The highly regarded Bill Meade letter of certification and induction to Healey 100M registry, current as of 2023. Chassis BN2-L/230411 successfully graded / awarded a lifetime membership in registry. In addition to the aforementioned history and restoration file, this 100M Le Mans is offered with owner's handbook,100M Le Mans Registry Certificate, 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.

Saleroom notices

Title in transit.

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