1955 Austin-Healey 100M Sport Roadster

This 1955 Austin-Healey 100M LeMans Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is black with white coves with red interior. Power is from a four-cylinder engines breathing through twin carburetors and capable of producing 112 bhp. There is a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive and disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear.

It was not long after World War II that Donald Healey secured himself a reputation as being one of the most respected British rally competitor and sports car engineers of the time. His cars were run with great success at the Mille Miglia and LeMans, proving the cars capabilities and stamina.

The Austin-Healey 100, first seen at the 1952 London Motor Show, continued the tradition of an attractive, winning sports car. In 1953 the Austin-Healey 100 was raced at LeMans. It featured modifications such as a high-lift camshaft and stronger valve-springs. The engine's breathing was improved with the help of 1.75-inch SU HD6 carburetors fitted to special inlet manifolds, and drawing through a cold air box. The suspension was given equal attention with larger dampers and anti-roll bar. The heat from the engine was removed with the help of a special louvered bonnet. A production version consisting of these changes was seen in 1955 with the introduction of the 100M. In total, there 1,159 examples produced.

The 100M models had a top speed of 109 mph with the screen up. When lowered, the top speed jumped even higher, to 120 mph. The car could race from zero to a quarter mile in a mere 18.1 seconds.

This example has had recent routine maintenance. Its owner has driven the car regularly and has even had the actress Jennifer Love Hewitt in the car. At auction the car was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $65,000. Those estimates proved to be very accurate, as a new owner was found and willing to purchase the vehicle for $55,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007