Description
- Mille Miglia Eligible
- Mille Miglia participant in the 2024 Mille Miglia
- Complete with 100M Le Mans Registry certificate, FIVA ID Card and accepted in the Registro 1000 Miglia
- Very rare genuine factory built 100 M Le Mans
- One of only 640 examples produced
- Approximately 170 examples from the original 640 have been authenticated by 100 M ‘Le Mans’ Registry
- Benefits from meticulous restoration with attention to originality by marque model expert
- This car presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of few fully documented and factory-built 100 M “Le Mans” examples that survive today
- Repainted in it’s original color scheme of Florida Green over Old English White
Making its debut at the 1952 London Motor Show, the Healey 100 was one of the most raved about cars of its time.
There is one instance in its brief history where the pinnacle of racing success was realised for Austin Healey.
At the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans the 100-4 factory race cars, which were then “Le Mans” prototypes, performed well enough to achieve second in class and 12th overall, an astounding achievement for the young company.
It was then decided that for 1955 and 1956 a special edition of the 100-4 would be produced to commemorate the success and offer the enthusiast base buyers of these fine sports cars an opportunity to enjoy the best of what the company could offer.
Just 640 factory-built 100M Le Mans would produce during their brief production run. Approximately 170 examples from the original 640 have been authenticated by 100 M ‘Le Mans’ Registry.
Owners of standard 100-4’s who could not get their hands on the factory built examples went back to the dealer for the “M Modification” and upgrades.
The factory Le Mans upgrades included a louvered bonnet, special aluminium cold air box, special cam, tuned carburetors, and ignition amongst other subtleties.
The lower priced “100M” on the market, are most likely to be (the much less sought after) dealer-installed versions.
Dealer-installed versions are not part of the count which determined that just 640 units of Le Mans versions were ever built from the factory.
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This 1956 Austin-Healey 100 M “Le Mans” was completed on 20 April 1956 and delivered new to the United States.
It was finished in utterly dainty Florida Green & White over a Black Interior, the specification the car is presented in today.
As confirmed by the BMIHT Certificate this specific example is a genuine, factory 100 M and was consigned with a heater, laminated windscreen, speedometer in mph and the louvred bonnet as part of the Le Mans package.
This example stayed in the USA for the vast majority of its life, passing through the hands of Mr. Newey and F. Lutheran of Alabama.
It was in 2007 that marque and model expert B. Van Tiggelen acquired the car for his personal collection, before undertaking a money-no-object restoration at his restoration shop ”100 Healey”.
The car was subsequently sold to a renewed Austrian collector who possesses multiple important Healey under which several 100M’s as well as a genuine 100 S.
The restoration was carried out from 2014 to 2016, and the car has covered a mere 850 miles ever-since.
The car was subsequently sold to a Dutch collector.
The car is in every aspect extremely nice restored with perfect attention to details.
Because details are making a Healey 100M quite often one can find cars which are upgraded to Healey 100M specification but an original factory built Healey 100M is recognisable on numbers which are on hidden places throughout the car.
Original components are still present and it comes with all its original accessories in an equally restored condition: original jack, Thor hammer, original and complete toolkit, tonneau cover and side curtains.
The documentation is complete with: original owners manual, original service manual, an original period brochure of the Austin Healey 100, an original brochure for “special equipment and tuning instructions”, original Laycock overdrive maintenance instructions as well as a history file.
The car includes a tonneau cover, side screens, a tool kit, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate describing the car as a “genuine factory built” 100 M “Le Mans,” a 100M “Le Mans” Registry Certificate of Membership, a FIVA Identity card as well as a 1000 Miglia register certification and refurbishment documentation.
This car presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of a few fully documented and factory-built 100 M “Le Mans” examples that survive today.
Recently the Healey successfully participated in the 2024 Mille Miglia. The circumstances of the race weren’t easy for the cars and a total of 30% of the cars which started the 2024 Mille Miglia didn’t make it to the finish. This Healey didn’t show a single problem during the race and finished.
We are thankful that we could buy the car and look forward to make somebody extremely happy with this very rare Healey 100 M Le Mans.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
The Healey has been so incredibly nice restored in every aspect and by a marque specialist who knows these cars extremely well so a description of the quality can be short as the car is exterior wise and interior wise absolutely amazing.
The paint does not show any signs of use and has a beautiful deep shine.
All brightwork, glass, lenses, bezels, badges are in as new condition.
New 48-spoke chrome wire wheels are concours-correct.
CONDITION INTERIOR
This examples interior continues the theme of attention to detail.
Correct materials are featured throughout with no deviation from original.
The car’s interior presents very nicely with a matching painted dashboard and Back leather seats.
The condition of the painted dashboard is excellent/ as new.
The leather and carpets are as new.
Under the dash is just as nice as the rest of the car.
The trunk is tidy with correct materials and placement of those materials used correctly throughout.
ENGINE BAY
This car is indicative of a car that has 100% seen total mechanical restoration and rebuilding, of all aspects, throughout the drive line.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This 1956 Austin Healey 100M offers one of the most pure driving experiences a car enthusiast could possibly have.
Starts easily, runs smooth, and makes good power throughout the rev range.
This Healey is very well prepared and drives fabulous.
As mentioned earlier, the factory-built Austin Healey 100M ‘Le Mans’ models are the most rare of any of the 100 models.
Factory-built 100M examples are considered much more desirable and command at the higher range of prices.
Fully and properly restored factory-built examples like this 1956 Austin Healey 100M ‘Le Mans’ fall within that category.
The lower priced “100M” examples you may come across, are most likely to be (the much less sought after) dealer-installed versions.
As mentioned earlier, dealer-installed versions are not part of the count which determined that only 640 units of Le Mans versions were ever built from the factory.
This car, bearing interesting original history and benefitting from long-term known ownerships is a unique opportunity to add to a collection.
As the Austin Healy 100 was raced in the original Mille Miglia race – which took place between 1927 and 1957 – this 100M is also eligible for the famous 1000 Miglia event.
Its rarity, its history, but also its sporty and powerful appearance, make this vehicle a very good choice for a subscription in the Mille Miglia.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.
