From the Estate of James Messenger
1956 Austin Healey 100S Tribute

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1956 Austin Healey 100S Tribute
Chassis no. BN2-L/232944
Engine no. 1B/232944

2,660cc OHV Alloy Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine (see text)
Twin SU Carburetors
145bhp at 4,700rpm (see text)4-Speed Manual Transmission w/Laycock Overdrive (see text)
Independent Coil Spring Front Suspension and Live Rear Axle, Semi-Elliptic Springs and Panhard Rod
4 Wheel Disc Breaks

*Comprehensive restoration and upgrade to "100S" Specifications
*Based on a 100 M "Le Mans"
*New Kilmartin KAS Chassis
*Tuned 2.6-liter OHV engine, High speed gearing
*Engineered and built in 2010 by Mark Baker of Sport & Specialty

The Austin Healey 100S

In 1954, Austin Healey ace driver Lance Macklin raced a specially modified Healey 100 in the Sebring 12 Hours. His success in that event inspired the factory to produce a limited run high performance model built specifically for the rigors of motorsport.

To create the 100S (for Sebring), Healey engineers started with the 2.6-liter inline-four, fitting a Harry Westlake-designed alloy cylinder head, high-lift cam, and a strengthened crankshaft, rated at 132bhp. The robust four-speed gearbox was offered with a variety of ratios for sprint racing, rallying, or endurance events. Suspension was tuned for handling and the chassis adapted for the latest four-wheel disc brakes by Dunlop. Healey built the body panels in aluminum, eliminating bumpers and unnecessary trim to keep weight at a minimum. Lastly, a simple curved Perspex windscreen gave the 100S its signature look.

Donald Healey always had a keen sense of marketing, and he delivered the first seven 100S chassis to racing drivers, including Briggs Cunningham. The 100S proved to be a formidable tool in the right hands, racking up hardware, particularly in the booming sports car racing in the USA. With only fifty 100Ss built and fewer surviving, they are the most desirable, collectible Austin-Healeys of all time, with values often approaching seven figures.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1956 Austin Healey 100 BN2 left the factory equipped with the "Le Mans" tuning kit, as confirmed by the accompanying BMIHT Certificate. In 2010, it was completely restored and reworked into a 100S Tribute by the late Mark Baker, founder of Sport & Specialty Restorations in Illinois. Mr. Baker built this car for himself, putting his extensive restoration and engineering experience to work. Starting with this genuine 100M donor, the car was given a new sheet metal chassis from Australian firm Kilmartin, and the body modified to emulate the factory 100S racers. This included removing the bumpers and modifying the front apron to suit the proper oval grille. Details like the Perspex windscreen, louvered bonnet, leather bonnet strap, and Monza fuel filler round out the body details. It was then finished in the iconic colors of Old English White over dark blue and fitted with white wire wheels.

The interior and driveline also received the Sebring treatment. Ventilated bucket seats are upholstered in dark blue with contrasting white piping, and the driver grasps a drilled three-spoke wheel with wood rim. Baker rebuilt the original, numbers-matching 2,660cc 'four with an alloy cylinder head and twin S.U. carburetors, making a claimed 145 horsepower on pump gas. Power is sent through a rebuilt gearbox with uprated overdrive unit, and rear axle with taller gears for improved high-speed cruising comfort.

The level of detail, fit, and finish are superb, showing this project was clearly a labor of love. The car was awarded Best in Show at the 2010 Healey Club of America Conclave, and has since seen only limited use, remaining in outstanding condition throughout. With the looks and performance of the original at a fraction of the cost, this very special Healey is sure to provide a visceral experience at events like the Colorado Grand or Going to the Sun Rally.

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