1956 Austin Healey 'Genuine' Factory 100M Le Mans Roadster

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Second and Third in Class finishes at Le Mans in 1953 put Austin Healey on the global map. The 100M was the first real celebration of this success and bettered the standard production car of the time by introducing a high-lift camshaft, larger carburettors, high-compression pistons, a free-flowing intake manifold, a cold air box and a unique distributor. Engine output increased by 20hp and the suspension received larger anti-roll bars, while a Le Mans-specification leather strap secured the louvered hood.

Factory production of the 100M lasted only from 5 September 1955 to 16 July 1956 with just 640 factory-built examples leaving the line.

Offered here is a matching numbers genuine factory 100M with overdrive, built to Le Mans specification on the 2nd May 1956 as certified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. This 100M is gloriously finished in original factory colours of Florida Green over Old English White with original trim colour and mechanical specifications as confirmed by the Heritage Certificate.

The subject of a comprehensive and fully detailed restoration during 2013 by JME Healeys of Warwick - one of the world's leading experts and restorers of Austin Healey motor cars. The car is now offered for sale with full 100M authentication from JME themselves, plus a documented and photographic restoration record.

Christopher Everard of JME Healeys offers the following statement within the documented restoration record that accompanies the vehicle; "As a Director of JME Healeys, I am delighted to fully authenticate this vehicle as an original factory built 100M and JME Healeys are proud to have completed the total restoration to the highest possible standards. I further confirm that all upgraded 100M components are correctly fitted to this vehicle as originally built by Austin Healey on 2nd May 1956".

The car is believed to have spent the whole of its life in the dry, salt free climates of Canada and the USA until it was imported to the UK in 2012, upon which, JME removed the cars original outer bodywork. The whole body was soda blasted and the chassis sand blasted to bare metal. At this stage this Healey proved to be outstandingly original and in exceptional condition. On 8th May 2014, JME confirmed within the vehicles documented report "There has clearly been no accident damage in the vehicles lifetime as witnessed by all the original metals and period welds. During the last 35 years we have restored hundreds of Healeys, but we have rarely seen a chassis and body to be in such original condition, almost free of corrosion and perfectly in alignment. As such we have taken the opportunity to record measurements of the chassis for our future referencing".

The engine bearing its original plate number 1B/232164M, once stripped down and inspected by JME Healeys was immediately identified as being the original 100M engine fitted when new at manufacture. This engine showed little sign of wear with a low expected use over its lifetime. The engine maintained good oil pressure with the original crankshaft that remained unground. The piston liners had been bored once to +.030 and new non-100M spec pistons fitted with some light water damage to just one pot. Under instruction from the vendor, a complete and thorough engine rebuild to precise 100M specification was undertaken by JME to include new STD size liners with new 100M pistons, new valve guides, seats and springs. The crank shaft was reground and all new shells fitted to the big ends and main journals from STD to .010. The crank was crack tested and rebalanced with the flywheel and complete new clutch assembled. The rebuild was completed with new Millers oil and filters, full test, drain and replacement of oil and filter, tightening of all mechanical fixings to correct torque settings and reset clearances. The result is an exceptionally strong engine.

With full FIVA and FIA certified passport papers issued in 2013, this charming and important Austin-Healey, being reported as it is one of just 640 manufactured, is Mille Miglia eligible and ready for competitive road/rally or sunny Sunday driving as you elect.

Upgraded extras to improve usability since 1956 include running on unleaded fuel, electronic ignition, negative earth conversion, large-core aluminium radiator and Kenlow fan to help cooling, electric cut-out switch and twin 12v socket supply. Further improvements include the fitment of halogen lamps within the original style headlamps for efficiency, a Denis Welch steering box, competition front brake shoes, upgraded steering, radial tyres in place of original cross ply for safety and comfort, and even Agriemach heat resistant matting fitted beneath the carpet for interior comfort and heat protection. The completed car is now fitted with four-point central release seat belts and a Brantz trip meter for road rallies further cementing this car's already impeachable credentials as a Mille Miglia or fast-road competition contender.

Supporting the depth and quality of the restoration work is a full parts and labour warranty that extends for the benefit of the new owner to 27th May 2015. The restoration included many new parts to original specifications such as a new wiring loom, heater, chrome trims and brake parts as shown by the host of invoices enclosed with the history.

In addition to the aforementioned warranty, the buyer of this exceptional car will receive each of the FIVA, FIA and BMIHT certifications, full inspection and authentication reports from Chris Everard of JME Healeys, plus copies of the invoices showing the close to £50,000 spent on this car. These documents can all be sent digitally to any interested party by request. This car is sold on a UK V5C registration meaning it can be registered anywhere in Europe without any tax liabilities.

With values of 100S cars now reaching £1m, this impeccably prepared and thoroughly usable 100M makes an affordable investment alternative for the discerning collector.