Vehicle Description
1956 Austin-Healey 100M
VIN: BN2-L231790
The beautiful example presented here is an authentic factory built
100M Le Mans roadster, confirmed as such by the British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust Certificate. A mere 640 100M Le Mans cars
were produced by the factory. These are not to be confused with
those converted by dealers with an available option kit containing
many, but not all of the significant upgrades. The Worldwide
Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Register states that fewer than 150
factory cars are known to exist today.
Built on April 12th 1956 as a North American Export car, this
left-hand drive Austin-Healey has spent most of its life in
California with three owners. The second owner from Saratoga, CA
owned the car from the early 70s, and he sold the car to the third
owner as a restoration project. The third owner finally got around
to having the car professionally restored in 1997.
Wellington Marsh of Spider Auto Works in Fresno, CA set about a two
year, frame-off restoration. The 100M engine was rebuilt and
upgraded with an aluminum Weslake cylinder head, as used in the
100S race car. The head provides a serious increase in efficiency
and performance, while allowing for the safe use of unleaded fuel.
Another improvement was the conversion from the original 6-volt
electrical system to the more powerful and reliable 12-volt. The
final update was the addition of 72-spoke Borrani chrome wire
wheels.
Other than those few concessions to increase drivability and
safety, the car was meticulously restored to stock condition. With
help from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust the car was
returned to it original cosmetic specifications of Healey Blue and
White, with Blue trim and a Blue top. The hood, trunk lid, and
cockpit surrounds are number matching to the body number 13276.
After being driven only 100 miles in the 10 years since its
restoration, the Healey was refreshed in 2007 by British Car
Specialists of Stockton, California to concours quality. Since then
it has successfully covered less than 2000 miles. The car comes
with all the expected accessories including the spare tire and rim,
tools, and tonneau cover.
Undoubtedly, this genuine factory-built 100M Le Mans Austin-Healey
will attract attention at vintage racing events for its superlative
performance, and then at the concours for its striking good looks.
This is the perfect conveyance for those who appreciate the
definition of the true British sports car.
