2023-11-04 07:32:53 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 11/23

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1955-austin-healey-bn2-100m-g23a7n

Auction description:

1955 Austin Healey 100 M

Colour Multicolour

Odometer 4,915 Miles

Engine size 2260

Auction Details Seller Type Private

Town Provence Cote d’Azur

Country France

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

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

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. 

2023-11-04 07:34:17 | pauls writes:

Previously located in Durham, North Carolina, in 2014