Highlights

Chassis records indicate that this is a genuine 100M
Only 640 Le Mans cars were factory-built
Factory correct colour scheme
Superb and highly original condition
Independent inspection and assessment with car

The Appeal

The Austin Healey 100/4 took proprietary mechanicals, ones that at first seemed uninspiring, and created something genuinely wonderful. The 100/4 was not just beautiful, with simple, evocative lines, it was quick and capable too. This was a car as at home at Le Mans as on the Monte Carlo rally.

To capitalise on the car’s Le Mans success Donald Healey offered an upgrade package that utilised some of the racing features including larger carburettors, improved air flow, high lift cams and increased compression. It was called, quite simply, the 100M.

The factory offered fully factory built M models as well as a ‘Le Mans Modification Kit’ for retrofitting to existing cars. Just 640 factory-built 100Ms were sold and they all carry ‘M’ chassis suffixes.

This gorgeous 1955 100/4 is one of those cars carrying the correct chassis suffix and 100M badging. Chassis records confirm that this was a USA market car and its current colour combination in factory correct. It is helpfully supplied with an independent condition assessment and valuation.

The 100M is a highly desirable ‘Big Healey’ and arguably one of the most desirable British sports cars of all time. This is a fantastic example that is factory correct and exudes every inch of its original style.

The History and Paperwork

Chassis records show this car was built on 30th December 1955
The same records confirm the current colour scheme of Old English White over dark blue with blue interior and black roof
The BN2 is distinguished by larger front wheel arches, 4spd gearbox with overdrive and different rear axle
Only 4,604 100/4s were built of which only 640 were 100Ms
Independent condition assessment and valuation report valuing car at 135,000 Euros

Donald Healey decided to parry success at Le Mans in 1953 into sales by offering the 100M alongside a Le Mans Modification Kit that could be retrofitted to existing cars. Genuine factory built cars were given ‘M’ suffixes for their chassis numbers. Plaques were also provided in engine bays and dashboards as well as 100M badging.

This kit has also been developed for more recent retro-fitting.

We have checked the chassis records for this car which show it was built on 30th December 1955 as an export vehicle destined for the USA. The colour scheme it currently sports is exact to the factory records.

The Condition

Beautifully presented in classic two tone, factory-correct trim
Old English White over dark blue with blue interior and black roof
Classic folding front screen
Appears to be a well preserved, sympathetic restoration preserving originality
Superb condition with no noticeable signs of wear or use
Original badging including all-important 100M grille badge
Factory correct white wires with chrome spinners
Black vinyl roof in good condition with side screens and additional tonneau
Evocative original interior with blue bucket seats piped white and painted dashboard
Three spoke Moto Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel
Pirelli P600 tyres in good condition with good tread depth
Good chrome and lights appear to be original and no notable deterioration
Underside presents exceptionally well with no issues to report
Features the classic bonnet louvres and belt of a factory-built 100M

The early 100 offers the purest iteration of Donald Healey’s vision for a sleek, aerodynamic sports car. It is a shape that has become iconic to such an extent that it is likely the profile drawn by small children when asked to pen a classic sports car.

This car appears to have been restored to a very high standard following factory correct specifications. The two-tone colour scheme, interior and roof are all as it left the factory. There has clearly been a focus on originality with trim and badging retained and even the wire wheels correctly painted in old English white rather than replaced with chrome. Plaques under the bonnet and in the cabin confirm that this car is fitted with the Le Mans kit.

The Mechanics

2,660cc 4cyl engine developing 110bhp in 100M trim
4spd manual gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th
Side exit exhaust
Evidence of suspension work on underside
Lovely Austin Healey script on cam cover
Chassis records show that this is a factory built 100M

The BN2 lightly updated the original 100/4s styling. Aside from the modifications specific to the 100M, the BN2 gained the much more usable 4spd manual gearbox – in place of the earlier 3spd unit – with overdrive on 3rd and 4th to make high speed cruising considerably more relaxing.

The ‘Le Mans’ package utilised features of the racing cars. Power was increased to 110bhp thanks to larger carburettor, a cold air box to improve air flow, high lift cams and increased compression. The suspension was also stiffened.

Unfortunately at the time of writing we did not have access to the service or maintenance records of this car. However the condition indicates an enthusiast owner so it seems reasonable to assume these records reflect a similarly fastidious level of attention.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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