1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans
- Engine
- 2.66L OHV inline-four, twin SU HD6 carburetors, ~150 bhp at 4,700 rpm
- Colour
- Florida Green over Ivory (two-tone)
A factory-built 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans, chassis BN2L 233047, representing one of only 640 cars completed to full 100M specification at the Longbridge works. Finished in original two-tone Florida Green over Ivory with a black interior, the left-hand-drive matching-numbers example was destined for the North American market. Comprehensively restored in the UK around 2008 with engine work by Denis Welch Motorsport, it has since participated in the Mille Miglia, Copperstate 1000, California Mille, and SCM 1000.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €170,000 – €190,000
- 2022-09-30Auction saleEstimate US$160,000 – US$190,000
- 1956-06-01 →Factory deliveryNorth American market first ownerpartial documentation
Car was dispatched from the factory in mid-1956 destined for the North American market; no specific named individual recorded.
- → 2008Unknown pre-restoration UK owner or ownerspartial documentation
Vehicle was in UK ownership up to approximately 2008, when a full restoration to factory specification was undertaken there. Mileage at that point was reported as roughly 52,000 original miles.
- 2015 →Private saleMost recent prior ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car following its 2015 Mille Miglia run and subsequently imported it to the United States. This owner fitted various rally and performance accessories and had a comprehensive mechanical service completed in 2021.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownEuropean owner prior to restorationpartial documentation
Car returned to Europe at an unspecified point, after which a comprehensive chassis and bodywork restoration was commissioned with a leading Dutch specialist between 2004 and 2008.
Competition
- 20152015 Mille Miglia
The car completed the Italian Mille Miglia historic road event in 2015, described as a successful run.
- 2015Mille Miglia Storica2015 Mille Miglia
Car completed the historic re-enactment event, demonstrating its suitability for period touring competition.
- —Copperstate 1000
Participated after US importation; exact year not stated.
- —California Mille
Participated after US importation; exact year not stated.
- —SCM 1000
Participated after US importation; exact year not stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2008Restoration
Full restoration to factory specification carried out in the United Kingdom; the car had approximately 52,000 original miles at the time of the work.
Restoration photos and associated receipts are included with the vehicle documentation.
- 2008Engine rebuildDenis Welch Motorsport
The original 2,660cc four-cylinder engine was overhauled and refurbished in conjunction with the broader restoration.
Denis Welch Motorsport is based in Staffordshire, England.
- 2021Service
Comprehensive service including fitment of new painted 15-inch wire wheels with Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, wheel bearing repacking, brake shoe replacement, new springs, rebuilt brake master cylinder, full gearbox rebuild, and new clutch installation.
- —Modification
Car equipped with a Monit rally tripmeter, Denis Welch tachometer, Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, Lucas driving lamps, dual fuel pumps, straight-cut first and second gears, and rear bumperettes in place of the original bumpers, mirroring the 100S Competition configuration.
Modifications appear to have been made during the most recent ownership period following the 2015 Mille Miglia.
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