1l7CcRC

3471955 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 RoadsterRegistration no. 609 APFChassis no. BN2/229013Engine no. 1B/229013Donald Healey’s stylish Austin-Healey 100 caused a sensation whenit debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show. Intended as a low-cost,high-performance, limited production sports car and aimed at the USmarket, which took almost 100% of production initially, the Austin-Healey 100 sourced its major components from the Austin Atlanticsaloon. In fact, the car first appeared at Earls Court badged as a‘Healey Hundred’ and was re-badged ‘Austin-Healey’ while still on itsstand after Austin boss Leonard Lord bought the rights to the design.It was just as well that he did, for Healey would take over 3,000 ordersduring the Show yet his company had never made more than 200 carsin a single year!Following the Austin-Healey 100’s sensational debut in 1952, theworks had entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans24-Hour Race, which finishing in 12th and 14th places, a highlypraiseworthy achievement for what were recognisably productionsports cars.Accordingly, the name ‘Le Mans’ was chosen for a bolt-on tuningkit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which privateowners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that ofthe works entries. The kit included a pair of 1¾” SU HD6 carburettorsplus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, strongervalve springs and distributor with alternative ignition advance curve.With the kit installed power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp.From October 1955 the conversion was available factory-fitted onthe successor BN2 model in the form of the 100M. In addition to theLe Mans kit, the latter boasted high-compression pistons, stiffer frontanti-roll bar, special Armstrong front dampers and a louvred bonnet.Power increased to 110bhp and top speed, with windscreen foldedflat, to within a whisker of 120mph. The number of BN1s converted bytheir owners is unknown, but 1,159 cars, mostly BN2s, were built orsubsequently modified to 100M specification between 1955 and 1956.Of these, approximately 640 were completed at the factory, some 544of which were exported to the USA.A BN2 model fitted with the 100M ‘Le Mans’ tuning kit, chassisnumber ‘229013’ is one of only 165 cars supplied in right-hand driveform to the UK market. The car was completed in October 1955 andsupplied new via Wimbledon Motors. We are advised that it has hadrelatively few owners and in 1998 underwent a full ‘ground upwards’restoration at leading marque specialists JME (full documentationavailable). Since then the Healey has formed part of a large privatecollection in Northamptonshire and has covered approximately 550miles only since restoration. Described as in generally excellentcondition, ‘609 APF’ is said to drive, feel, handle and looks justlike a brand new car. Accompanying paperwork consists of theaforementioned restoration records, old-style logbook, current MoT/tax, V5 registration document and an interesting letter from Healey‘guru’ John Wheatley.£50,000 - 60,000€62,000 - 74,000228 | Goodwood festival of speed