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1954 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster

1954 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster – $79,000

This beautiful example is a post-production converted Austin Healey 100M Le Mans roadster, confirmed by both a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and a 100M “Le Mans” Registry.

History

After leaving Triumph where his most lasting legacy resided, the Alfa Romeo Monza-inspired Dolomite, Donald Healey, engineer and racer, struck out on his own with the low production specials that characterized British sports cars immediately after World War II. In 1952 Healey created the “Hundred” two-seater using the Austin A90 engine and drive-train, along with Healey’s one chassis and a brilliant body style designed by Gerry Coker.

That was the year that the newly-formed British Motor Corporation, which by this time was the parent to the Austin Motor Company, held a competition for the “best designed new sports car,” using components from Austin automobiles. Healey’s Hundred was the event champion, receiving an award at the affair held at Earl’s Court in London, and the Austin-Healey was born.

Of course, proper sports cars were meant to prove themselves in competition. In 1953, Austin-Healey entered two very modestly modified cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They managed a top speed of 119mph on the Mulsanne Straight and finished 12th and 14th overall. This was extraordinary performance by virtually unaltered serial production cars. A factory-prepared race car debuted at the Sebring 12 Hours in 1954, which took an impressive third place with Stirling Moss at the wheel. This car featured a number of performance enhancements, as well as a light-alloy body shell, and served as the model for a small run of factory competition-spec cars known as the 100S with further fame at Le Mans in 1954 and 1955.

In order to capitalize on the growing legend, Donald Healey produced a road version of the 100S in 1956 called the 100M Le Mans, without question the finest evolution of the model. It featured higher compression, larger SU carburetors, a freer-breathing intake manifold, high-lift cams and a modified distributer. A useful increase in horsepower resulted, now 110bhp, up from 90bhp. Other modifications included anti-roll bars added to the suspension. Visually, it is easily identifiable by a liberally-louvered bonnet and a Le Mans-regulation leather strap.

The beautiful example presented here is a post-production converted Austin Healey 100M Le Mans roadster. Confirmed by both the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and the 100M “Le Mans” Registry, this example was converted by the dealer in period. The original color of Healey Ice Blue complements the blue interior. Aside from the meticulous maintenance, paint work and interior condition, this example exhibits elegant craftsmanship to this day. The car comes with all the expected accessories, including the spare tire, tonneau cover and side curtains. Undoubtedly, this period conversion 100M Le Mans will attract attention whereever it is for striking good looks on either the show field or a weekend drive.

Specifications

Chassis: BN1-L/148561
Engine: 2,660cc inline four-cylinder
Engine Number: 1B/139820
Transmission: 3 Speed with over-drive
Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drums
Color: Healey Ice Blue/Navy with white piping
Price: $79,000