1955→1956 Austin Healey 100M

Following full-competition 100S, Austin Healey offered a upgraded road-car known as the 100M. The package mainly consisted of engine modifications which raised power from 90 to 110 bhp and exceeded the performance of the later six-cylinder models.

To achieve this modest power increase a high-lift camshaft was fitted, along with larger carburetors, higher-compression pistons, a free-flow intake manifold, a special distributor and a cold air box.

Other upgrades included larger anti-roll bars, while the louvered bonnet was retained by a Le Mans-specification leather strap.

When production ended on July 16, 1956, just 640 examples of the 100M were built. These are distinct from the Le Mans kit that was available to upgrade cars at the dealer or elsewhere.

In Detail

tags	bn2
submitted by	anonymous
type	Series Production Car
production years	1955 – 1956
built at	Longbridge & Warick, England
production	640
engine	Inline-4
position	Front Mounted
valvetrain	Pushrod overhead valves
displacement	2659 cc / 162.3 in³
bore	86.4 mm / 3.4 in
stroke	109.2 mm / 4.3 in
power	82 kw / 110 bhp @ 4500 rpm
specific output	41.37 bhp per litre
body / frame	Steel Chassis and detachable body panels
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Steel Wheels
f suspension	Wishbones and Coil overs
r suspension	Live axle w/ leaf springs
wheelbase	2286 mm / 90 in
front track	1244.6 mm / 49 in
rear track	1295.4 mm / 51 in
length	3835.4 mm / 151 in
width	1536.7 mm / 60.5 in
height	1249.7 mm / 49.2 in
transmission	4-speed and o/d
top speed	~176.99 kph / 110 mph

Auction Sales History

1956 Austin-Healey 100 M ‘Factory’ Le Mans BN2-L/232319 –

Completed on May 11, 1956, as a left-hand-drive export model, it was originally delivered to Arthur Bruggermann and Company GmbH in Dusseldorf, West Germany. As noted, it was equipped with a laminated windshield, wire wheels, speedometer in mph, a heater, and a louvered hood. Most recently, the 100 M was acquired by well-known Austin-Healey specialists Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane in Riverside, California. It has just completed a comprehensive, frame-off restoration with an array of further enhancements and upgrades, including a jet-coated exhaust; new 48-spoke chrome wire wheels with new radial tires; jet-coated brake drums; and new wiring, lighting, and electrical components. The exterior was finished in two-stage PPG paint, while the interior was freshly refinished to match, along with rebuilt and refaced gauges.

Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015

1956 Austin-Healey 100 M ‘Le Mans’ BN2-L/233008 – s

This factory-built car is documented by a BMIHT Certificate, as well as a registry certificate, as being one of those 640 100 Ms. It is also accompanied by a selection of documentation from earlier owners, who provided detailed information on its restoration. It was originally built with left-hand drive for American export and finished in the color combination that it wears today, Black and Reno Red. It is also still powered by its original engine. This car has been well-preserved over the years, and it displays an impressive level of craftsmanship, including a new red and black interior with color-coordinated carpet and a black top. The engine bay, with its polished surfaces, is also very presentable.

Auction Source: Paul & Chris Andrews Collection by RM Sotheby’s

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2L/230966 – sold for $206,800 From the Estate of George Fink. Timewarp, original unrestored example. Two documented owners from new. Offered with books and tools. Just 37,000 miles from new.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2015 by Bonham

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2-L/230787 – sold for $115,500 Mid-1990s Nut-and-Bolt Marque-Expert Restoration. Documented and Confirmed Genuine Factory-Built 100M. Complete with BMHT and 100 M “Le Mans” Registry Certificates. Awarded Best Open Car at the 1998 Amelia Island Concours. One of Just 640 Original Factory-Built 100 Ms. Retaining Its Factory-Original Engine; Highly Correct and Detailed. Strikingly Presented Throughout. Welcome Entry into a Multitude of Desirable Shows and Tours.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1956 Austin-Healey 100M ‘Factory’ BN2 Roadster BN2-L/230818 – did not sell for $160,000 One of 640 factory-built 100M models. Meticulous one-and-a-half-year restoration. British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate of Origin, 100M Le Mans Registry Certificate, and Gold 100M Certificate.
Auction Source: 2014 Arizona by RM Auctions

Florida Green 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2-L/230432 – did not sell for $175,000 One of 640 Original Factory-Built 100 Ms. Single Ownership for 40 Years. 2004 Restoration in Original Colors by Respected Austin-Healey Restorer, Fourintune. Matching-Numbers Example. BMHT and 100M Registry Certificates.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1956 Austin-Healey 100 M BN2-L/232183 – sold for $137,500 One of 640 Original Factory-Built Examples. Complete with BMHT and 100 M Le Mans Registry Certificates. Expert Body and Paint by Beckman Metal Works. Recent Mechanical Service by Antique Auto Restorations. Undisputed Sports Car Icon; Legendary Performance and Style. Ideal Candidate for Vintage Rallies and Events.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 ‘Factory’ Le Mans BN2-L/231849 – sold for $198,000 A genuine factory-built 100M Le Mans Competition Roadster. Verified as matching numbers, with 100M Le Mans Registry and BMIHT certificates. Freshly restored by Tom and Randee Rocke of Healey Lane.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2/L/229821 – sold for $154,000 Rare Factory-Installed Le Mans Modifications. Body-Off Restoration Completed in 2012. Certified by the 100M Registry. Matching-Numbers Certification by the BMIHT. FIVA Inspected and Approved. Just Three Owners over 45 Years. Low-Mileage Example.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1956 Austin-Healey 100M “Le Mans” Roadster BN2L232348 – sold for $192,500 A documented, factory-built 100M with alloy body. One of 640 built and approximately 260 known to exist today. Fresh, complete restoration by specialists Tom and Randee Rocke, of Healey Lane. Matching-numbers engine; listed in 100M Registry; BMIHT certificate.
Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2-L/229932 – s

According to the BMIHT Certificate, BN2-L/229932 was completed on 30 November, 1955 and shipped to the USA on 7 January, 1956, with an Old English White finish and red upholstery. It is believed to have first been sold in California, remaining there until the prior owner acquired it in 2000. At the time, it was a running “survivor” in remarkably solid condition, having benefitted from Southern California’s favourable climate.

Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

1955 Austin-Healey 100M BN2L/228392 –

As confirmed by its corresponding British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this factory-built, left-hand drive Austin-Healey 100M was completed on September 9, 1955, just four days after production of the model commenced. It was immediately shipped to the USA, and as a BN2 model, it was equipped with a four-speed gearbox and overdrive. Other original features included a heater, a laminated windscreen and the louvered bonnet characteristic of a factory-built 100M.

Auction Source: 2010 RM Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction