Beschreibung:

2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine 2 SU Carburetors 110bhp at 4,500rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission w/Overdrive Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes *One of the desirable 640 factory 100M Le Mans examples made *Comprehensive restoration performed by Healey specialist Fourintune *Retaining matching-numbers engine and body panels *Offered with history file, tools and jack THE AUSTIN-HEALEY 100M LE MANS Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works had entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. They finished in 12th and 14th places, a highly praiseworthy achievement for what were recognizably production sports cars. Accordingly, the name "Le Mans" was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which private owners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the works' entries. The kit included a pair of 1¾" SU HD6 carburetors, plus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs, and a distributor with alternative ignition advance curve. With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 to 100bhp. From October of 1955, the conversion was available, factory-fitted on the successor BN2 model in the form of the 100M. In addition to the Le Mans kit, the latter boasted high-compression pistons, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, special Armstrong front dampers, and a louvered bonnet. Power increased to 110bhp and top speed, with the windscreen folded flat, was within a whisker of 120mph. The number of BN1s converted by their owners is unknown, but 1,159 cars—mostly BN2s—were built or subsequently modified to 100M specification between 1955 and 1956. Of these, approximately 640 were completed at the factory, some 544 of which were exported to the USA. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Offered here is an extraordinary example of the increasingly popular and rare, factory 100M Le Mans Austin-Healey, eligible for some of the most prominent motoring events around the globe. According to its Heritage Trust Certificate, this fine Austin-Healey was completed at the Longbridge Austin-Healey works as a BN2 model, and factory equipped with the 100M Le Mans package, including a louvered hood, cold air intake, and other performance enhancing details. Furthermore, it featured the four-speed overdrive transmission, and the numerous smaller improvements implemented during the course of production since the introduction of the BN1 in 1953. The left-hand-drive Austin-Healey was like most of these iconic British Roadsters destined for the North American market. The Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans is believed to have resided in Texas for many years, while cared for in a local enthusiasts possession. Offered from a prominent Southern California based collection of exceptional European sports and racing cars, this rare factory-delivered 100M Le Mans has been treated to a comprehensive restoration by noted Austin-Healey restoration facility Fourintune, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Although the restoration was done some years back, it is evident that the work was done to a very high factory-correct level, using the right materials and finishes inside and out. The 100M is finished in black with red side coves over a black interior, and sports correctly painted wire wheels mounted with classic bias-ply tires. Lucas tripod headlights are fitted, and the cockpit is topped by a wood-rimmed steering wheel. This fine example of one of Britain's most iconic Roadsters looks and performs like a true sports car should. On a recent test-drive, the BN2 100M Le Mans offered spritely acceleration, good braking and handling, and a smooth gearshift. Equipped with the desirable 100M Le Mans package from the factory, the BN2 is true to the model's performance heritage, and would be a wonderful entry on a number of classic car driving events and rallies. The Healey's engine and body tags are sti