When Austin Healey launched the second generation (BN2) of its 100 model in 1955, it added a 100M version. The original Austin Healey 100 earned its number designation from the fact it could achieve a speed of 100 miles per hour.
But with the introduction of the BN2, a higher-performance 100M version was introduced. The 100M came with larger SU carburetors, cold-air intake, high-lift cam and higher-compression pistons. It also had stiffer front suspension, louvered hood (with a leather strap to keep it closed at high speeds), and two-tone paint.
The company produced fewer than 650 such cars. However, should owners of BN1 or BN2 cars want to upgrade their own vehicles, Austin Healey offered a Le Mans upgrade package. The Le Mans kit included all the factory-installed M equipment except the pistons.
Pick of the Day is a 1955 Austin Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans spec car. The advertisement on ClassicCars.com notes that the seller, the car’s owner, simply doesn’t drive the car enough anymore, “so it’s time for a new home.”
“This Austin Healey really is a fine example of a beautiful automobile from a very special era in sports car manufacturing,” the seller notes in the ad.
“Unlike many other 100M Le Mans Spec cars that add only a louvered bonnet, strap and 100M emblem, this beauty has all the upgrades,” the seller notes in the ad, listing the hood and strap, emblem, overdrive transmission, cold-air intake, larger carburetors and the cam and high-compression pistons.”
The car also has “the preferred 5-stud ‘Hypoid’ differential as opposed to the less-desirable 4-stud ‘Spiral bevel rear end’.”
The seller notes that the car’s convertible top has been removed “as I’m a fair-weather driver and prefer the pure roadster look and feel,” but adds the top is in “great” condition and can easily be re-installed. There’s also a nearly new tonneau cover that comes with the car.
In the past couple of months, the car has had some work done on its carburetors and throttle linkage, and that fuel system “is new and clean as a whistle.”
The seller assures that everything is in working order, that the car has been registered with the 100M Registry for two decades and comes with a certified copy of the factory records.
The asking price is $79,900 or best offer for the car, which is located in Dallas. The seller is even willing to recommend local Austin Healey mechanics if a potential buyer wants a third-party to inspect the car.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
All BN2s had the 5 stud rear end, even late BN1s had these too, so goes without saying if we`re looking at a BN2. Also no point in listing overdrive with any list of M performance upgrades. It was never part of the M package. 90% of all AH 100s had overdrive. Does thist ype of ad annoy anyone else? Like it is written to impress or mislead the newer Healey enthusiast.