1955 Austin-Healey 100

Lot details
Registration No: 222 EMK
Chassis No: 224961
Mot Expiry: March 2006

As part of his tireless publicity campaign to promote the newly introduced Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1, Donald Healey entered a team of four pre-production cars for the 1953 Le Mans 24-hour race. Running with standard windscreens, interiors and even bumpers, two of this mildly tweaked quartet survived to finish 12th and 14th overall (an amazing result for such comparatively inexpensive cars in near showroom condition). Eager to capitalize on this success (and also to comply with the event's homologation requirements) Healey persuaded BMC to list a 'Le Mans kit' (twin 1¾ inch SU carburetors, high-lift camshaft, revised distributor advance curve and stronger valve springs etc) in its parts catalogue for 1954. Known officially as part P-280, it was available to fit on new or old models alike and by dealers or private individuals. Adopted by BMC themselves (together with the addition of a louvred bonnet complete with leather strap) for the 100M version of the BN2 100/4 introduced at the 1955 London Motor Show, it has remained a popular modifications package ever since.
First registered on 27th April 1955, this particular example began life as a standard 100/4 BN1. Reputedly converted to M Spec by a previous keeper between 1994 and 1996, it is said to incorporate many aluminium panels including the main bodyshell, front wings and boot lid. Treated to a 'lead free' cylinder head in July 1997, its 2,660cc four-cylinder engine's exact state of tune is unknown. Though, we are informed that it has been well maintained and benefits from a new coil, condenser, distributor and uprated plug leads etc. Similarly, the front suspension has had its kingpins and bushes replaced, while the brakes have been overhauled and a new driveshaft installed. Finished in Old English White with black vinyl upholstery, 222 EMK is described by the vendor as being in good overall condition (although, its interior is rated as fair). According to its history file, it has had five owners since 1972 (one of whom was the dancer Peter Gordeno) and covered less than 10,000 miles since 1977 (the odometer showed 75,281 miles when it passed its last MOT, a figure that the current custodian believes may possibly represent the total mileage from new). Riding on painted wire wheels, its fabric hood has been recently renewed as have its twin 6 volt batteries. Reported to "run and handle extremely well being lightweight and powerful", it comes with sidescreens, a tonneau cover (bought in 1998) and history file including "many invoices, letters, MOTs and even pictures from the 1970s".