Maximilien Gagnebin
Senior Specialist
LOT 116
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 Roadster to 100M Le Mans Specification Chassis no. BN2-L/229609 Engine no. 1B222887/M (see text)
Estimate: CHF70,000 - CHF80,000
Lot 116
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 Roadster to 100M Le Mans Specification
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 Roadster to 100M Le Mans Specification
Chassis no. BN2-L/229609
Engine no. 1B222887/M (see text)
Chassis no. BN2-L/229609
Engine no. 1B222887/M (see text)
• Delivered new to the USA
• Four-speed BN2 model
• Converted to 100M Le Mans specification at a later date
• BMIHT Certificate
Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, which finished in 12th and 14th places, a highly praiseworthy achievement for what were recognisably production sports cars. Accordingly, the name 'Le Mans' was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, enabling private owners could to bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the works entries. With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp. The 100M is now one of the most sought-after classic Healeys.
A four-speed BN2 model, this Austin-Healey 100 comes with a BMIHT Certificate showing that it was built in left-hand drive configuration for export to North America and completed in November 1955. Originally finished in Healey Blue with matching trim and hood, it was despatched to Hambro Trading Inc, USA. The car was modified to 100M Le Mans specification at a later date when the current engine ('1B222887/M') replaced the original ('1B229609'). The car is sold with a Swiss "Carte Grise".
• Four-speed BN2 model
• Converted to 100M Le Mans specification at a later date
• BMIHT Certificate
Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, which finished in 12th and 14th places, a highly praiseworthy achievement for what were recognisably production sports cars. Accordingly, the name 'Le Mans' was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, enabling private owners could to bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the works entries. With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp. The 100M is now one of the most sought-after classic Healeys.
A four-speed BN2 model, this Austin-Healey 100 comes with a BMIHT Certificate showing that it was built in left-hand drive configuration for export to North America and completed in November 1955. Originally finished in Healey Blue with matching trim and hood, it was despatched to Hambro Trading Inc, USA. The car was modified to 100M Le Mans specification at a later date when the current engine ('1B222887/M') replaced the original ('1B229609'). The car is sold with a Swiss "Carte Grise".
Footnotes
1955 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 Roadster en définition Le Mans 100M
Châssis n° BN2-L/229609
Moteur n° 1B222887/M (Cf. texte)
• Livrée neuve aux Etats-Unis
• Version BN2 à quatre vitesses
• Transformée ultérieurement en définition Le Mans 100M
• Certificat du BMIHT
A la suite des sensationnels débuts de l'Austin-Healey 100 au Salon de 1952, l'usine engagea aux 24 Heures du Mans 1953 deux voitures légèrement modifiées qui terminèrent 12e et 14e, une performance dont pouvaient s'enorgueillir celles qui étaient identifiables comme des versions série. Il en résulta que ce fut le nom 'Le Mans' qui fut choisi pour le kit de performances que proposaient les concessionnaires Austin-Healey et qui offrait à des propriétaires privés une définition s'approchant de celle des voitures engagées par l'usine. Ce kit permettait de disposer de 100 ch au lieu des 90 ch d'origine. La 100M est maintenant l'une des Healay classiques les plus recherchées.
Cette Austin-Healey 100 en version BN2 à quatre vitesses est munie d'un certificat du BMIHT qui indique qu'elle fut construite en novembre 1955 en direction à gauche pour être exportée en Amérique du Nord. De couleur bleu Healey Blue avec intérieur et capote assortis, elle fut livrée aux Etats-Unis à Hambro Trading Inc. Elle a été par la suite transformée en définition 100M Le Mans, lorsque son moteur d'origine (1B229609) fut remplacé par l'actuel (1B222887/M). Elle est vendue avec une carte grise suisse.
Additional information
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