Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Austin Healey 100M Specification BN2

Chassis No. – BN2L230766
Exterior Color – Old English White and Reno Red
Interior Color – Red with White Piping
Engine – 4 cylinder built to 100M specifications
Transmission – 4-speed manual with overdrive and Jaguar Clutch
Current Miles – 56,973 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased the car in 2012 with 56,519 miles
Miles driven under current ownership – 450 miles


Highlights for this car

A very accurate representation of the 100M spec. Austin Healey
Beautiful restoration work performed on a modestly updated car
Extensive documents including restoration records and original factory warranty card


General History

Established in 1952 as a joint venture with partners Austin Motors (BMC) and the Donald Healey Motor Company, Austin-Healey built their reputation in a remarkably short period of time. Their first production offering was the smartly designed and well balanced 1953 100-4 roadster. Capable of superior performance against comparably priced cars, the combination of performance and beauty was striking and proved to be worthy not only of British sales, but quickly became the darling of North American importers. Total sales of the BN1 model up until August 1955 exceeded 10,000 units before being replaced by the BN2.

Also offered in 1955 was the 100M. Built with larger carburetors, high lift camshaft, a specialized cold air box, and 8.1:1 compression, among other modifications, the high hp car also had stiffer front suspension, a louvered hood, and bonnet straps. A total of just 640 100Ms were built by the factory, nearly 70% of which were offered in distinctive two-tone paint combinations. For owners who wished to convert their BN1 or BN2 in period to the more powerful engine specifications, a kit was available (Le Mans Engine Modification Kit) which could be purchased from BMC. Many of these were done in period using the kit along with other modifications primarily to improve performance, but also offer some distinction from an otherwise stock version of the BN1 or BN2 series cars.


General Overview and History of This Car

Originally delivered to North America via Austin Motor Company of America, the original owner and his family enjoyed the car on family outings, retaining the original Austin Warranty documentation. Upon learning of the kit available to upgrade the car, it was taken to a local dealership for 100M modifications. Progress was halted and the car was stored until purchased by Fred Stockwell of Grants Pass, OR, a well-known restorer of Austin Healey cars. Stockwell worked with other known Austin Healey specialists disassembling the car down to every nut and bolt including all body and panel refinishing work performed to a high standard. The car was repainted in the original Old English White color, the engine and gearbox rebuilt, all suspension, fuel, and electrical redone, and the brightwork, fixtures, and trim reassembled. A correct interior was installed, and the car fully detailed to a high standard. The restoration was completed in the late 1990s and the lower panels later painted Reno Red, which was consistent with period correct colors for these cars.

The car was then sold to the third owner who commenced further upgrades and general maintenance, all of which were carried out by British Car Specialists of Stockton, CA. In 2002 the car participated in the 50th Anniversary of Austin Healey in Lake Tahoe, CA. In 2012 the car was sold to the fourth and current owner. In May 2012, a new top and frame were installed. In July 2014 the current owner began research on bringing the car to 100M Le Mans specifications. In September 2014 British Car Specialists performed a very detailed engine rebuild including the addition of a “Fast Road” alloy head, aluminum radiator, and extensive modifications to meet the correct details of the 100M Le Mans configuration including body modifications performed by experts familiar with Austin Healey 100M cars. Additional details and upgrades were performed as well to improve the drivability and reliability of this 100M spec. Austin Healey.

Equipment and Features

Jaguar Clutch
“Fast Road” L25 alloy head
Dual 1 ¾” Carburetors modified to 100M specs HS6
Chrome wire wheels (original wheels included)
Electronic Ignition (High speed starter)
Custom fabricated front and rear sway bars
Stainless steel braided lines
Front wheel disc brakes/rear drums
Wood steering wheel
Texas cooler fan
Lucas Le Mans headlights and signals
Side window wings
Matching tonneau cover
Bilstein shock absorbers
Oil Cooler
Aluminum radiator
Aluminum carburetor manifold
Carburetor cold air box and intake
High lift camshaft
Steel face competition cylinder head gasket
100M 88.5 mm Steel dished pistons
100M Alternator
Leather bonnet strap and buckle clip
Steel louvered bonnet
Heavy duty oil pump

General Condition

Today the condition of the car is excellent overall with very nice body panel fit and finish consistent with high level show cars with a modestly mellowed restoration. There is a small stress crack located behind the door, typical of these cars, but other than that, the cosmetic condition is very nice overall with excellent paint, high gloss, and very nice trim. The chrome is in excellent condition including the beautifully finished wire wheels. The two-tone paint is striking particularly with the matching red interior.

The interior has slightly mellowed with use but remains in very good to excellent condition. There is some minor evidence of use in the carpeting footwell and side panel. The dashboard and instrumentation are in excellent condition overall with all gauges showing excellent color and clarity and very nice finish to the red upholstered seats.

The engine compartment has been restored to a high level of finish with correct materials, features, and finishes consistent with refined show cars. The upgrades performed on the car are done with sensitivity to original including the factory type plaque indicating the 100M upgrade and the grille emblem also showing the 100M insignia. The alternator, upgraded aluminum radiator, and electronic ignition are welcome additions to the driving experience, without sacrificing the vintage flavor of this well-prepared Austin Healey.

The underside of the car presents very well clearly indicating the history of the restoration work as most finishes show only modest evidence of road use since the restoration was completed. The trunk is clean and properly outfitted with the correct type liner and painted silver wire wheel and tire.


Recent Work Performed

October 2020, 56,961 miles – Brake fluid flush, coolant flush, other fluids checked OK
August 2019, 56,960 miles – Oil & filter change, valve cover gasket replaced, new fuel tank installed with new gaskets and seals.
July 2018, 56,951 miles – Five new Firestone tires installed, oil and filter changed


Items Included with the Car

Austin Healey tool roll and jack
Owner’s Manual and Shop Manual with technical literature
Original painted wire wheels and tires
Spare loose tire
Car cover
Side curtains
Spare fuel container
Battery tender
Austin Healey Service sign
Various vintage Austin Healey magazines, books, literature
Various spare tools and extra parts

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.

Inquire About This Car

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