1956 Austin-Healey 100 M

Documented by the British Motor Heritage Trust and 100 M “Le Mans” Registry certificates, this genuine factory-built 1956 Austin-Healey 100 M Roadster is an original left-hand-drive North American export car that was produced on February 9, 1956, and then shipped to the US. Factory-fitted equipment included a heater and laminated windscreen. As offered, it retains its matching- numbers engine and factory-original Healey Blue livery with white coves, blue upholstery, and matching top.

While early ownership history remains unknown, this 100 M was located in Florida during the mid-1980s and restored there to concours standards in 1995 by marque expert Harold Brandner of BMC Classics over an approximate one-year time frame. Following completion, the 100 M joined well-respected Floridian Kirk F. White’s collection, who carefully enjoyed and maintained it in concours-ready form. It was invited to form part of the “Cars of Donald Healey” class at the 1998 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it won Best Open Car. Next, it was featured in the June 1998 edition of Chatter, the Austin-Healey Club magazine. In 2002, it was acquired by a Pennsylvania-based collector, who also lovingly enjoyed, maintained, and showed it, with the car garnering numerous awards. Notably, the car has been serviced by factory-trained technician John Davies. The 100 M was then acquired by the consignor last year.

Remaining striking throughout, the Healey’s restoration has aged gently and the car easily remains show-worthy indeed. Correct details abound including Lucas headlamps, along with fog and driving lamps, a 100M “LeMans” Registry badge, and the original “100 M” lightning-bolt badge affixed to the radiator grille. All weather gear is present, including the side curtains, tonneau, and top, with all remaining excellent and nearly new. The engine bay is highly correct to match, as are the Healey’s trunk, underside, and chassis. Steeped in motor sports history, very rare, and thoroughly enjoyable, the Austin-Healey 100 M roadster is simply one of the finest British sports cars of the era. This handsome example will surely provide a thrilling ownership experience and a welcome entry opportunity into many of today’s finest shows and classic touring events.

The 100 M

Soon after display at Earls Court in 1952, Donald Healey’s landmark Austin-Healey 100 entered production, and, in 1953, the first race-prepared Healeys contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they finished 2nd and 3rd in Class. The experience gained from these “works” cars resulted in the 100 M, which remains without doubt the most desirable road-going Austin-Healey variant. The engine was highly modified to yield 110 hp, the suspension received larger anti-roll bars, and a Le Mans-specification leather strap retained the louvered bonnet. Production commenced on September 5, 1955, and just 640 had left the factory when production ended on July 16, 1956.