1956 Austin-Healey 100M in Scotts Valley, California

Vehicle Description

1956 Austin-Healey 100M
VIN: BN2-L231790

The beautiful example presented here is an authentic factory built 100M Le Mans roadster, confirmed as such by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate. A mere 640 100M Le Mans cars were produced by the factory. These are not to be confused with those converted by dealers with an available option kit containing many, but not all of the significant upgrades. The Worldwide Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Register states that fewer than 150 factory cars are known to exist today.

Built on April 12th 1956 as a North American Export car, this left-hand drive Austin-Healey has spent most of its life in California with three owners. The second owner from Saratoga, CA owned the car from the early 70s, and he sold the car to the third owner as a restoration project. The third owner finally got around to having the car professionally restored in 1997.

Wellington Marsh of Spider Auto Works in Fresno, CA set about a two year, frame-off restoration. The 100M engine was rebuilt and upgraded with an aluminum Weslake cylinder head, as used in the 100S race car. The head provides a serious increase in efficiency and performance, while allowing for the safe use of unleaded fuel. Another improvement was the conversion from the original 6-volt electrical system to the more powerful and reliable 12-volt. The final update was the addition of 72-spoke Borrani chrome wire wheels.

Other than those few concessions to increase drivability and safety, the car was meticulously restored to stock condition. With help from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust the car was returned to it original cosmetic specifications of Healey Blue and White, with Blue trim and a Blue top. The hood, trunk lid, and cockpit surrounds are number matching to the body number 13276.

After being driven only 100 miles in the 10 years since its restoration, the Healey was refreshed in 2007 by British Car Specialists of Stockton, California to concours quality. Since then it has successfully covered less than 2000 miles. The car comes with all the expected accessories including the spare tire and rim, tools, and tonneau cover.

Undoubtedly, this genuine factory-built 100M Le Mans Austin-Healey will attract attention at vintage racing events for its superlative performance, and then at the concours for its striking good looks. This is the perfect conveyance for those who appreciate the definition of the true British sports car.