1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2
A matching-numbers factory-built Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 100M, one of approximately 640 completed to that specification at the Abingdon works, assembled on 3 March 1956 and finished in Florida Green over Ivory. Originally despatched to a US serviceman stationed in Japan, it returned to the United States after his tour, later spent time as a restaurant exhibit, and was subsequently restored by a noted Wisconsin-based Austin-Healey specialist. Imported to the United Kingdom in 2011, it then received a comprehensive mechanical overhaul by a respected marque authority.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleEstimate £120,000 – £140,000
- 1956 →Factory deliveryUS serviceman stationed in Yokohama, Japanpartial documentation
Original recipient of the car, delivered while on military service in Japan; returned to the USA with the vehicle at the conclusion of his posting.
- → 2011Acquisition unknownPost-rebuild owner(s) prior to UK importnone documentation
The car changed hands at least twice in the period after restoration but before being brought to the United Kingdom.
- 2011 →Private saleUK-based custodian who imported in 2011partial documentation
Imported the car and had it correctly registered in the UK, then commissioned an extensive mechanical refresh with international touring and rallying in mind, spending approximately £50,000 on the work.
- Date unknownRestaurant owner or operator (USA)none documentation
The car is understood to have been displayed as a static exhibit within a restaurant for an unspecified period before being identified as a genuine factory 100M.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownTom Kovacs / Fourintunepartial documentation
Acquired the car following its restaurant period and undertook a full restoration at his Wisconsin-based Austin-Healey specialist workshop.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2011MechanicalDennis Welch
Comprehensive mechanical overhaul encompassing a complete engine rebuild with steel crankshaft and connecting rods, full gearbox rebuild, suspension and brake refurbishment, final drive work, high-ratio steering fitment, alloy fuel tank installation, and new wheels and tyres.
Total expenditure approximately £50,000; work commissioned by the UK owner with FIVA and MSA-eligible events in view.
- —RestorationFourintune
Full restoration carried out after the car was identified as a genuine factory 100M, covering the overall condition of the vehicle following its time as a restaurant exhibit.
Work overseen by Tom Kovacs at his Cedarburg, Wisconsin Austin-Healey specialist business.
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