Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Austin-Healey 100 M
s/n BN2-L/230818m, Engine no. 1B230818M
Healey Blue with White Coves and Blue Interior

The “big Healey” is the quintessential classic British sports car. Its first variant, the Healey 100, was launched in the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1952 where Len Lord, then chairman of Austin, offered to take over its manufacture and marketing. The car was renamed the Austin Healey 100 and the base price was reduced from £850 to £750. This first Austin Healey car has become known as the 100-4 or the BN1 and 10,688 units were built. It was fitted with an Austin A90, 2660 cc, four cylinder engine, which gave 94 bhp. The three speed gearbox was also sourced from the A90, but had first gear blanked off and overdrive fitted on second and third to give better gearing.

The BN2 was launched in October 1955 and in total, 3,924 units were built. The BN2 had a simple box frame chassis and was basically the same as the BN1, but fitted with larger drum brakes and a completely new four speed gearbox with overdrive as standard. The BN designation can be broken down to describe the car, the B stood for the B class engine, which meant it had a capacity between 2000 and 3000 cc. The N was the letter issued for an open topped two-seater.

By the time the BN2 was released, the Austin Healey 100S, a limited production run of 55 racing cars, was becoming well known for its ability at circuit rallying and racing. This led to the production of the more street-oriented Le Mans 100M variation of the BN2, a specification that was only available with the BN2. The engine power was increased from 90 bhp to either 100 or 110 bhp, depending on the camshaft fitted. The Le Mans kits also included bigger carburetors and changes were made to the distributor, valve springs and a stiffened front anti roll bar was added. Approximately 1100 of the Le Mans BN2s were originally made and an additional 100 were later modified to Le Mans spec.

This particular example is a genuine, factory built BN2 100 M specification example with matching numbers, and was the subject of a rotisserie restoration to exacting standards. The current owner purchased the car in 2011, and upon inspection, found all the 100 M specific details to be in place, including the number cockpit surrounds, larger carburetors (stamped), intake manifold, cold airbox and frame bracket, body stampings on the bonnet and boot bracket, larger sway bar, and factory louvered hood. The car has been confirmed as a 100 M by the Gold 100 M Registry certification and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certification.

The restoration was a frame off endeavor which included all mechanical systems. The engine was rebuilt with a higher lift cam, lighter flywheel, composite head gasket, and bench flowed manifold and carburetors, resulting in increased horsepower over stock. The overdrive, transmission, rear end, steering, brakes and hydraulics, fuel tank pump, and lines were also included. The restoration work was performed over a two-year period by Greg Perry and Vintage Motorcar and was finished in late 2013. A comprehensive stack of receipts is included in the sale.

The car shows wonderfully in its Healey Blue paintwork with white accent coves. The paint is excellent throughout with very minor orange peel on the left front fender. There are very minimal scratches surrounding the buckle for the leather hood-strap and a very small and nearly unnoticeable chip on the passenger’s side door. The chrome work around the car is generally excellent. However, there is slight clouding on one of the overriders of the rear bumper and slight pitting and scratching due to road use on the car’s front hood badge.
The car’s interior presents very nicely with a matching painted dashboard and blue leather seats trimmed in white piping. The condition of the painted dashboard mirrors the condition of the exterior, with excellent paintwork throughout. The leather is in good shape and generally quite soft with slight patina on the seats as well as on the central console cushion. The carpets are very clean and there is minimal wear on the leather surrounding the floor-mounted shifter.

The engine compartment of the car is exceptionally clean with little to no signs of use. The car’s engine received minor upgrades in an effort to increase power at the time of its restoration but appears stock. The trunk was thoroughly restored as well and is in excellent condition, with correct upholstery throughout. The car is complete with tool roll with tools, jack, hammer, side curtains, and original steering wheel.

This particular 100M runs extremely well having been described as resembling a brand-new car. The car drives excellently with good power, crisp suspension and an overall tight feel. The overdrive is operational and oil-pressure is very good along with the car’s brakes and clutch.

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a genuine 100M retaining its original Le Mans equipment. Verified as a genuine M model, this car is a matching numbers example that also drives extremely well. As a 1956 car, this 100M is also eligible for many of North America’s premier road rally events where its impressive driving performance is sure to excite.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608