1955 Austin-Healey 100 M
- Engine
- 2.6L OHV inline-four with twin 1.75-inch SU semi-downdraft carburetors, 109 bhp
A factory-certified Austin-Healey 100 M, one of just 640 produced by conversion at the Longbridge BMC plant, distinguished by its louvered bonnet and the Le Mans engine modification package introduced in October 1955. Acquired in the early 1980s from a Pasadena seller, its factory-conversion status was authenticated by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. A comprehensive restoration followed in the early 1990s by noted Healey specialist Tom Colby, with a subsequent engine and drivetrain rebuild using Denis Welch competition components. Registered with the Austin-Healey Concours Registry.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$165,000
- Date unknownCarole Walkerpartial documentation
Described herself as a little old lady from Pasadena; sold the car to the subsequent owner in the early 1980s.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Acquired the car in the early 1980s, had it restored by Healey specialist Tom Colby at Speedwell in Southern California, then registered with the Austin-Healey Concours Registry; later commissioned a full mechanical refresh using performance components.
Competition
- 19531953 Le Mans 24 Hours
Donald Healey entered modified Healey Hundreds with uprated camshafts, larger carburetors, cold-air induction, and performance ignition to promote the new model.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationSpeedwell
Comprehensive restoration carried out by well-known Healey race mechanic Tom Colby at Speedwell, a Southern California specialist workshop, following authentication of the car's factory-conversion status.
Completed in the early 1990s; car was subsequently inspected and entered in the Austin-Healey Concours Registry.
- —Inspection
Formal inspection and registration with the Austin-Healey Concours Registry following the early-1990s restoration.
- —Engine rebuildSpeedwell
Engine rebuilt by Tom Colby using Denis Welch competition components; gearbox, overdrive unit, differential, and steering gear were all overhauled at the same time.
Wiring looms replaced throughout, all wear items renewed, and a fresh set of tyres fitted; the car covered fewer than 500 miles after this work.
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