1955 Austin Healey 100M - Le Mans

1955 Austin Healey 100M Tribute.

The Austin Healey 100 was built from 1953-1956. Developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's small company in Warwick, ngland and based on the Austin A90 Atlantic.

Initially shown at the 1952 London Auto Show, he design impressed Leonard Lord, anaging director of Austin. Ford struck a deal with Healy to build it in quantity with bodies made by Jensen and mechanical components by Austin's Longbridge factory. The car was renamed the Austin Healey 100. The "100"added to represent the top speed the car was capable of, uch like the Jaguar XK 120 of the same period.

The first 100s or BN1s were equipped with 2660 cc motors producing 90hp through 3 speed with overdrive transmissions. Girling brakes were fitted around all corners with independent front coil spring suspension. Tested by Motor magazine in 1953 at 103 mph top speed and an elapsed time of 11.2 seconds to 60 mph, he 100 was a top performing sports car for its time.

In 1955, high performance "M"model was introduced, ith larger carburetors, cold air box intake, igh lift camshaft and 8.1:1 pistons. It produced 110 hp at 4500 rpm. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvers for cooling. Approximately 70% of all 100 Ms were painted in two color configuration. In all 640 100 Ms were built by the factory. The 100 M's modification components were, owever, vailable to Austin Healey Dealers in order to retrofit the standard BN1 to 100M specifications.

Retrofitted at the time of the recent restoration of the car, he renowned California Healey specialist added all the "M"kit options as well as rebuilding the engine and suspension to original "M" specification. The body was painted in the correct Healey blue with white coves and wheels painted silver. Absent the leather hood strap, he car is an exact duplicate to the original 100M. The Healey presents a rare opportunity to own a true "tribute"to the original at a fraction of the cost of a factory built version.

- Complete "M"retrofit
- Correct "M"Healey colors
- Road and vintage race ready