French title

Chassis # L232315 - BN2 Engine No. 1B/232315-M

- Sold new in France

- One of 58 delivered in Continental Europe

- Very nice condition

 

Having rolled off the production line on May 10, 1956, this Austin -Healey 100 is a genuine M produced in this form by the factory, not a car subsequently refitted to this specification. This feature is confirmed by the certificate of the "British Motor Industry Heritage Trust", which states that this car was left hand drive, for export and shipped to Paris. It also indicates that it was equipped from the factory with heating, a laminated windshield glass and louvred bonnet. The body was white and black, which was later painted just black. It is worth noting that the "M" versions (for "Le Mans") are characterized in particular by changes to the four-cylinder 2.7-liter original Austin engine. This is also the choice of engine, by Donald Healey, which led to the proposal by Austin to combine the two names, to produce the car in its own factory and so be in control of distribution. Changes enjoyed by the "M" included an intake manifold with two bigger carburettors, improved distribution and high compression pistons, with power going up to 110bhp, while offering an extremely generous torque over the entire engine speed range. This is also what makes it one of the charms of this model, which is able to start off at low speed in a roar worthy of a fighter aircraft of the 1940s...

 

Note also that the 100M cars are extremely rare as just 1,159 examples were produced, with only 58 exported to continental Europe, in LHD form, with the vast majority heading to the United States. The number of new cars sold in Paris could therefore probably be counted on the fingers of one hand or possibly two.

 

This car has been bought by an enthusiast in 2000, from a mechanic who had had the car for 35 years. He then carried out ​​a full restoration giving the engine to Garage de la Maison-Neuve of Alain Cassinat, who is well known as an Austin -Healey and Triumph specialist. An aluminum radiator has been adapted, and an additional fan and alternator too (original parts will come with the car). In addition, an oil cooler was installed to improve cooling. On the cosmetic side, an aluminum dashboard was installed to enhance the basic instrumentation, but the original item has been kept and will be provided with the car. The upholstery was redone in leather, resuming the original shape of the bucket seats, and the whole interior is in very good condition. The car has its weather equipment such as the hood, side-screens and tonneau cover, all in very good condition, and the cover is closed by a very sporty leather strap, a feature specific to the M. And of course it has a fold-down windscreen.

 

Its current owner acquired it in 2015 for €205,000, after the car had been purchased at auction in 2013 for approximately €175,000.

 

This car was in 2003 the subject of an article in Auto Retro, written by the late José Rosinski, a racing driver and journalist whose authority on the subject is without peers. Rosinski concluded his article: "The 100M has a much more homogeneous driving feel (thanks to the six-cylinder Austin Healey engine) and with that irresistible look, it stands out as arguably one of the most desirable roadsters ever produced by an English factory." What more could you ask for?

Please note that the MOT report indicates that a re-test is required due to an imbalance in the service brakes, a faulty front left shock absorber and a problem with the indicators; these repairs will be covered by the seller, subject to a quote, at a garage of the buyer’s choice.