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Race Ready Classic
1956 Austin-Healey 100M ‘Le Mans’ Roadster

The Austin-Healey 100 first debuted at the 1952 London Motor Show. Considering its production sports car positioning, entering two slightly modified examples into the 1953 Le Mans and managed to finish in 12th and 14th places was quite an achievement. An upgrade kit was later developed for owners who wish to bring their vehicles to Le Mans raceable ability.

This 1956 100M is one of only 640 factory-built examples between 1955 and 1956. Leaving the factory with the Le Mans kit specifications, it was built with new pair of carburettors, special inlet manifold and cold air box for increasing air flow, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs and other upgrades. Chassis number BN2-L/230581 could generate 110 bhp and reach a top speed of 120 mph (approx 191 km/h). After a comprehensive restoration, the eye-catching two-tone roadster has won a few prizes in different concours and classic car meetings. The Gold-level certification by the 100M registry of Bill Meade just confirms the car’s originality. It is also Mille Miglia eligible.

The beautiful car will be offered at Bonhams beachfront sale in Zoute, Belgium on 5 October.