To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 29
- 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $150,000
- Frame-off restoration by Tom and Randee Rocke; driven 75 miles
since completion
- Finished in Gun Metal Gray over Saint James Red
- Upgraded in period to 'Le Mans' specification
- Includes British Heritage Trust Certificate
This 1956 Austin-Healey 100 'Le Mans' roadster has benefitted from
a full frame-off photo-documented comprehensive restoration by Tom
and Randee Rocke. The beautiful paintwork is finished in Gun Metal
Gray over Saint James Red. The interior is finished in Red Ox Blood
vinyl with matching English wool carpeting and black armachord. A
new black vinyl top and tonneau cover were fitted to the car with
original side curtains.
This car was first delivered to Flight LT RE Lewis, US Air Force
care of Nisshin Automotive Company in May of 1956. The car remained
in Japan until 1959 when then Captain Lewis returned home to duty
in Wichita Kansas, attached to the 86 Flight Bomber Squadron. It
was there in Kansas at the Austin-Healey dealership that Lewis had
the car converted to the 'Le Mans' specification.
'Le Mans' modifications include high-compression pistons, high-lift
camshaft, twin 1� SU carburetors with special inlet manifolds,
special 25D long-shaft distributor with modified automatic advance
curve, steel-faced cylinder head gasket, 'Le-Mans' specification
cold air box, alloy cooling fan, and four-row radiator. Coachwork
modifications include the alloy louvered bonnet with the 'Le Mans'
regulation leather strap, along with two-tone paint and alloy front
fenders and shroud. The 2,660-cc inline four-cylinder engine was
rated at 110 hp.
Engine, transmission, and overdrive were rebuilt using all-new
parts. Rebuilt original gauges, new steering wheel, and new
drop-down windshield, 48-spoke wire wheels with 185/15 tires, spare
tire, original jack, and knock-off hammer. Includes British
Heritage Trust Certificate. Beautiful restoration in a stunning
color combination.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.
