2026-06-24 21:58:59 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 6/26

www.artcurial.com/ventes/6604/lots/59-a

Auction: Le Mans Classic Legend

1956 Austin-Healey 100 M Factory Car

French Registration Document

Chassis No. BN2-L232315 Engine No. 1B/232315-M

- Sold new in France

- One of only 58 examples sold in Continental Europe

- Excellent condition, serviced in May 2026

Leaving the factory on May 10, 1956, this Austin-Healey is an official 100 M, produced in this form by the factory, and not a car fitted with a later kit. This is confirmed by the certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, which specifies that this car was left-hand drive, intended for export, and delivered to Paris. It also indicates that it was originally equipped with a heater, a laminated glass windshield, and a louvered hood. It was originally white and black, a color scheme later replaced with all black. It's worth remembering that the "M" versions (for "Le Mans") were characterized in particular by modifications to the original Austin 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. In fact, it was Donald Healey's choice of this engine that led to Austin's proposal to combine the two names, produce the car in its own factories, and handle its distribution. The modifications to the "M" included an intake manifold with two larger carburetors, improved valve timing, and high-compression pistons, increasing power to 110 hp while offering exceptionally generous torque across the entire rev range. This is precisely what makes this model so appealing: its ability to pull away from low revs with a roar reminiscent of a 1940s fighter jet...

Note also that the 100M cars are extremely rare as just 1,159 examples were produced, with only 58 exported to continental Europe, in LHD form, with the vast majority heading to the United States. The number of new cars sold in Paris could therefore probably be counted on the fingers of one hand or possibly two.

This car has been bought by an enthusiast in 2000, from a mechanic who had had the car for 35 years. He then carried out ​​a full restoration giving the engine to Garage de la Maison-Neuve of Alain Cassinat, who is well known as an Austin -Healey and Triumph specialist. An aluminum radiator has been adapted, and an additional fan and alternator too (original parts will come with the car). In addition, an oil cooler was installed to improve cooling. On the cosmetic side, an aluminum dashboard was installed to enhance the basic instrumentation, but the original item has been kept and will be provided with the car. The upholstery was redone in leather, resuming the original shape of the bucket seats, and the whole interior is in very good condition. The car has its weather equipment such as the hood, side-screens and tonneau cover, all in very good condition, and the cover is closed by a very sporty leather strap, a feature specific to the M. And of course it has a fold-down windscreen.

The current owner purchased it in 2015, and the car has just undergone a full service in May 2026 to ensure it runs smoothly.

This car was in 2003 the subject of an article in Auto Retro, written by the late José Rosinski, a racing driver and journalist whose authority on the subject is without peers. Rosinski concluded his article: "The 100M has a much more homogeneous driving feel (thanks to the six-cylinder Austin Healey engine) and with that irresistible look, it stands out as arguably one of the most desirable roadsters ever produced by an English factory." What more could you ask for?