To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
L140264

Estimate:
$ 60,000 - $ 65,000 US

This Austin-Healey BN1 has been restored in an exciting fashion that is reminisce of the desirable and rare 100M or “Le Mans” models of Austin-Healey based on the successful factory Le Mans racecars which ran at the famous 24 hour race in 1953. The factory 100M was introduced in 1955; the rarity of the car that is captured by this example is conveyed in print by marque experts stating that “Geoffrey Healy, Donald’s son who played a very important part in the family firm in the fifties has given a figure of 1,159 cars for 100M production. John Wheatley, carrying out research in the microfilmed BN2 Longbridge build records, has come up with a figure of only 640 cars which can be identified by having a note scribbled on the build card to the effect that they had the louvered bonnet fitted. It must therefore be presumed that these 640 cars were the factory-built 100M cars and the balance of 519 cars were other 100 models which were modified with the Le Mans kit at Warwick.” It is also noted that further cars were modified to this specification by dealer-installed kits.

It is reported that this restored BN1 (in the style of a 100M “Le Mans”) runs with the 2,660-cc, 110-hp inline four-cylinder engine that is matched with a four-speed overdrive manual transmission. Further “M” characteristics are seen with the no bumper presentation plus louvered hood with leather strap, 100M on the lower grille and lay-down windshield. Other features include aluminum spoke wheels, knock-offs, racing-type center stripes, Smiths instrumentation, Moto-Lita steering wheel, matching spare, tool roll, heater and a beautiful all-around presentation.
1953 Austin-Healey BN1 Roadster