|
Legendary Sports Cars
|
|
1956 Austin-Healey 100 M |
Sold for $137,500 on Januaury 18, 2014
One of 640 Original Factory-Built
Examples
Complete with BMHT and 100 M Le Mans Registry Certificates Expert Body and Paint by Beckman Metal Works Recent Mechanical Service by Antique Auto Restorations Undisputed Sports Car Icon; Legendary Performance and Style. |
| < PREVIOUS MORE PHOTOS NEXT > | |
|
While awaiting the start of series production
for his stunning, new “Hundred” roadster that debuted at Earls Court in
1952, Donald Healey commissioned a small batch of pre-production examples
for the motor show circuit and high- profile racing events. Following an
ill-fated Mille Miglia entry, where a broken throttle linkage forced a
Healey’s early retirement, four cars were entered into the 1953 24 Hours
of Le Mans. Quite mildly prepared and even retaining their stock bumpers
and windscreens, two of them finished 12th and 14th overall – a stunning
achievement in the face of a virtual armada of much more powerful
competitors. In celebration of this sterling Le Mans debut, a small batch of 640 BN2-based 100 M models was factory-produced in 1955 and 1956. A rakish, reclining windscreen, and a louvered bonnet with Le Mans-regulation leather retaining strap visually distinguished these factory-produced cars, while mechanical upgrades included a high-lift camshaft, larger 1 3/4″ SU carburetors, high- compression pistons, a free-flowing intake manifold, a cold-air box, and a special distributor. As modified, engine output rose to 110 hp, and handling was noticeably sharpened with enlarged anti-roll bars. According to its corresponding British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMHT) certificate, the original left-hand-drive export model offered here was completed on May 4, 1956, and shipped to San Francisco. In addition to the louvered bonnet characteristic of the 100 M, this car’s factory-fitted equipment included a heater and a laminated windscreen. 2,660 CC OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine |
|
