1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2

Factory production of the Austin-Healey 100M lasted from September 5th of 1955 to July 16th of 1956 with 640 factory-built examples leaving the line. They had a high-lift camshaft, high-compression pistons, a free-flowing intake manifold, high-compression pistons, a cold air box, and a unique distributor. The suspension was fitted with larger anti-roll bars, and there was a LeMans-specification leather strap securing the louvered hood.

It is believed that approximately 191 examples remain in existence in modern times.

Donald Healey's 'Hundred' roadster was introduced at the 1952 Earl's Court (London) Motor show. It wore a design courtesy of Gerry Coker with a chassis by Barry Bilbie. The engineering was courtesy of Donald Healey's son Geoff. Quickly attracting the favor of BMC's Leonard Lord, and fitted with Austin-based mechanical components, it was renamed the 'Austin-Healey 100'. The series-production of the new car began in early 1953. A small batch of pre-production examples were built for motor shows and high-profile racing events to help generate interest. Four BN-1 models were race-prepared by Donald Healey and Roger Menadue for international road-racing competition. One example was entered in the Mille Miglia, but it was forced to retire early due to a broken throttle linkage. Four examples were entered in the 1953 24 Hours of LeMans, with two finishing the event in 12th and 14th overall.

The four 1953 Le Mans works-entered cars were designated 'special test cars' and predated the 100S competition cars. They were the inspiration for the 640 BN2-based 100M 'Le Mans' models that were built in 1955 and 1956.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019