Vehicle Description
1956 Austin Healey 100M
This delightful matching numbers Austin Healey 100 is one of only 640 examples produced by the factory to uprated “M” specification.
Following the strong performances of the works special test cars in the 1953 Le Mans and the 1954 Mille Miglia races, the factory started to produce a number of high performance “Le Mans” kits that could be retro-fitted to standard BN-1 and BN-2 Healey 100s. These kits included larger carburettors, a cold air box and high-lift camshaft and could be fitted by a garage with the engine left in-situ. Delivering an increased power output of 110 bhp versus 90 bhp for standard cars these kits proved to be very popular with existing customers. Capitalising on this success, Donald Healey decided to produce a number of cars that were constructed in the factory to the uprated specification and because these cars had the modifications built–in from new, they also included a number of other features such as higher compression pistons, stiffer front suspension as well as bonnet louvers and bonnet strap. With construction limited to the period of September 5th 1955 to July 16th 1956 only 640 examples of the factory-built cars were built in total. These cars are normally referred to as Austin Healey 100Ms and are far more desirable than the standard BN-1 or BN-2 cars which were retro-fitted at the time or cars that have been modified during later restorations.
The example offered here is one of these 640 original factory 100Ms and was built on 24th April 1956 to North American export specification. Unusually for a LHD car it was actually delivered to a customer in Tokyo, Japan and came fitted with the additional options of a heater, laminated windscreen and Km odometer. In common with many 100Ms, the car was finished in a two tone paint scheme, in this case the colours were Healey blue over white with a blue interior. Following its time in Japan, the car remained overseas until 1989 when it was re-imported to the UK and then in 1994 it received a full body off restoration by noted Austin Healey specialists JM Everard. The invoices for this work total in excess of £47,000, a considerable sum for the period. Upon completion the car was exported to its new customers in Germany who retained it for 5 years before selling it back to a UK based customer who had JM Everard convert the car to RHD and register it under the age-related plate it wears today. With just two subsequent owners, the car has been carefully maintained by JD Classics for the last 15 years and is now presented in delightful condition with excellent mechanicals and paintwork and a nicely patinated interior. Retaining full matching numbers and accompanied by its tool kit, a good history file and a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate it provides a wonderful opportunity to acquire a genuine factory-built 100M finished in a classic Austin Healey colour combination. Please contact us for further details.
Photograph above shows a similar car.
