1954 Austin Healey 100 Modified to 'M' Specification

Registration No: YSU 274
Chassis No: BN1L/151738
MOT: September 2023

• Originally finished in Healey Blue with Blue upholstery and supplied new to California
• Subsequently uprated to 'M' specification with an alloy cylinder head, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox and front disc brakes etc
• Used and enjoyed on numerous historic rallies / events before being treated to a thorough cosmetic refresh
• Offered for sale with a large history file including BMIHT Certificate, FIVA passport (expired) and numerous receipts / invoices etc

As part of his publicity campaign to promote the 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 1.75 inch SU carburettors, 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 modification package ever since.

According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, this particular example was initially finished in Healey Blue metallic with Blue upholstery (the same combination it pleasingly sports today). Completed on 9th February 1954, the 100 was supplied new to America where it is thought to have seen competition usage before being repatriated by Road & Race Restorations of Manchester in February 1990. Interestingly, the copy C&E 386 form on file lists the car as an ‘Austin-Healey 100/4 M’ which suggests that it had been modified to ‘Le Mans’ (or ‘M’) specification in-period. The two-seater’s first UK owner, Rodney Cobb, had it thoroughly gone through by renowned marque specialist Orchard Restorations. He also added his name to the list of previous keepers recorded in the Big Healey’s original Service Manual. Subsequently pressed into service as an endurance rally car, ‘YSU 274’ boasted an alloy cylinder head, BN4 four-speed plus overdrive gearbox and front disc brakes when it was issued with a FIVA identity card during July 2004. Enjoyed on events such as the Classic Marathon (London to Prague), Rallye International des Alpes and HERO Irish Trial etc, the two-seater was fettled and improved by Croft Engineering using parts from Denis Welch Motorsport and A Head 4 Healeys Ltd etc. Treated to an engine overhaul by Ian McPherson & Son Ltd of Manchester in 2012, a minor bump seven years later provided the impetus for a body off, chassis up restoration which left ‘YSU 274’ in the super smart condition it remains today. A few stickers, Sabelt seat harnesses and the presence of a dash-mounted trip meter are all clues to the 100’s competitive past but otherwise it looks as if it would be more at home on a concours field than being thrashed through a special stage! Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, ‘YSU 274’ feels tractable but rather more potent than a standard BN1. Suitable for use as a fast road car or a return to timed events, this gorgeous looking Big Healey is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737