1956 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster (SOLD)

1956 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster Chassis: BN2L233187 Authentic factory built 100M Le Mans roadster Fewer than 170 are known to exist today with the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate.

Proper sports cars are 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 113 mph on the Mulsanne Straight and finished 12th and 14th overall. This was an 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 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.

The beautiful example presented here is an authentic factory built 100M Le Mans roadster, confirmed as such by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, as well as the Worldwide Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Register. A mere 640 100M Le Mans cars were produced by the factory, not to be confused with those converted by dealers with an available option kit containing many but not all of the significant upgrades.

The Register states that fewer than 170 are known to exist today. The original colors of Ivory Cream with black coves and interior complement the comprehensive, superb and correct restoration by renowned marque specialists BMC Classics. Aside from the exceptional paint scheme and condition, passenger compartment invites close inspection, exhibiting a remarkable level of craftsmanship. As a bonus, the Healey is fitted with an authentic, fire breathing 100S Weslake competition aluminum cylinder head and exhaust manifold.

The car comes with all the expected accessories including the spare tire and rim, owner handbook and tools, tonneau cover, and side curtains. Undoubtedly, this genuine factory-built 100M Le Mans Austin-Healey will attract attention at vintage racing events for its superlative performance and then at the concours for its striking good looks. This is truly a Healey for the connoisseur and RM auctions set the then world record price with this car in 2008 at $165,000!

This is an excellent example of a truly rare and documented Sports car.