Beschreibung:

2,660cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine 2 SU Carburetors 110hp at 4,500 rpm 4-Speed, Manual transmission with Overdrive Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *Upgraded to 100M Le Mans spec *In the Worldwide 100M Le Mans Registry *Numbers matching example in original colors *Eligible for the finest concours & rallies THE AUSTIN HEALEY 100 Before the 100 LeMans, before the Healey 100S, there was simply the Austin-Healey 100, but what an amazing car it proved to be. The result of a partnership signed in 1952 between the head of BMC, Leonard Lord, and successful automotive engineer and Donald Healey, the '100' – so named for its top-speed capability – was unveiled at the 1952 Earl's Court Motor. The 100 was simple and strong; the frame comprising a pair of steel rails that ran the length of the chassis about 17 inches apart, passing beneath the live rear axle and below the front lower wishbones. The alloy and steel body was supported by brackets extending outward from the main rails. The engine was the Austin 90 long-stroke four of 2660cc. The gear box was a three-speed manual unit with floor shift, enhanced by a Laycock de Normanville overdrive on second and third gears. An endearing feature of the Austin-Healey is its lay-down windscreen, which adds greatly to its dashing, streamlined look, and not coincidentally, to its top speed. Following the Austin-Healey 100's sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the works had entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. They finished in 12th and 14th places, a highly praiseworthy achievement for what were recognizably production sports cars. Accordingly, the name 'Le Mans' was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which private owners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the works entries. The kit included a pair of 1¾" SU HD6 carburetors, plus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs and a distributor with alternative ignition advance curve. With the kit installed power increased from the standard 90 to 110bhp. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This love left-hand drive BN2 Roadster was completed on December 5, 1955 at the Longbridge works, bound for the U.S. market. The car left the factory wearing the Reno Red and black trim with red piping that it wears today. This example also has all of bits that would have been on the dealer installed Le Mans kit including a larger set of SU carburetors breathing through a cold air box and nestled under a louvered hood secured with a buckled leather strap. A Certificate of Membership from the 100M "Le Mans" Registry attests to the car's qualifications. It is understood that this car spent the better part of 34 years, from 1981 to 2015, with William Schmidt in Long Island, New York. During his ownership the car was restored from 1982 to 1986 by Austin-Healey specialists Vintage Restorations—also in Long Island. The work was completed with as many original parts and to as correct of a standard as possible, including the upgrade to "Le Mans" spec. It should be noted that then, as now, the car was fitted with its original engine and finished in its original colors as documented by its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate. Following its restoration, this 100 would be displayed at 18 concours events throughout Long Island from 1986 to 1995. During that decade of shows, it captured numerous first-in-class (12) and second-in-class (6) awards as well as a Best-of-Show trophy. It remained a well-kept Sunday driver for the subsequent score of years from 1995 to 2015. About 7 years ago, a thorough refreshing of the then-15-year-old restoration was conducted. The engine was removed and redone, along with the suspension at all four corners and the steering system which were also removed and refinished. While these mechanical components were all removed, the chassis and engine compartmen