This 1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 roadster is one of 640 factory-built 100M “Le Mans” examples produced over a 10-month span. Chassis BN2L229745 underwent a rotisserie refurbishment in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, circa 2016 that involved a color change to black and red as well as an interior re-trim and mechanical work prior to being awarded “Gold” certification from the Austin-Healey Concours Registry. The car is powered by a 2.7-liter inline-four that breathes through dual SU carburetors, while shifting is via a four-speed manual transmission coupled with an electric overdrive unit. It is fitted with 15″ knock-off wire wheels as well as front disc brakes and is further equipped with a louvered hood, Lucas Le Mans 24 headlamps, an adjustable windshield, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a removable black soft top. Purchased by the current owner in 2017, this 100M is now offered by the seller on their behalf at no reserve with certificates from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, 100M Le Mans Registry, and Austin-Healey Concours Registry along with tools, recent records, and Alberta registration. The winning bid, including the BaT buyer’s fee, will be donated to the Trellis Society and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The 100M was a high-performance model produced in 1955 and 1956 that was specified with engine and suspension upgrades as well as a louvered hood secured by a leather strap.
Finished from the factory in black, this example was repainted in its current red and black finish as part of the aforementioned rotisserie refurbishment completed circa 2016. It is further equipped with Lucas Le Mans 24 headlamps and an adjustable windshield as well as a removable black soft top and tonneau cover. A protective film was applied to the entire body in September 2021.
The 15″ wire wheels are secured by two-ear knock-offs and mounted with 180-width Michelin XAS tires. Braking is handled by retrofitted front discs paired with rear drums. The brake fluid was flushed in June 2023.
The re-trimmed cabin houses bucket seats wearing red leather upholstery accompanied by gray lap belts. Further interior appointments include a Smiths cabin heater as well as a dash-mounted rear-view mirror, a passenger-side grab handle, and door pockets.
The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames Smiths instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 39k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership. The seller states that true mileage is unknown.
The 100M-specification 2.7L inline-four added larger carburetors, a cold air box, a higher-lift camshaft, and 8.1:1-compression pistons. The engine, transmission, overdrive unit, and differential oil was changed in June 2023 along with various seals and gaskets.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive unit.
The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate indicates that the car is a factory 100M “Le Mans” model built on November 15, 1955, and lists the factory serial numbers, colors, and equipment. Certificates from the 100M Le Mans Registry and Austin-Healey Concours Registry will also accompany the car.
A tool roll, a Thor mallet, a wooden knock-off wrench, and a spare wire wheel with a Dunlop tire are included in the sale.
Photos documenting the rotisserie refurbishment are presented in the gallery.
The vehicle is being sold on its Alberta registration, which serves as the ownership document in Alberta, Canada. The winning bidder of the auction will pay the current owner, who will in turn pay the charities.
Proceeds from the sale will go to the Trellis Society, a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which plans to use the funds toward its goal of creating 250 new units of affordable housing in Calgary as well as the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, also a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which plans to use its share of the funds to support a new Emerging Adult Service to provide young people aged 16-29 with more effective and appropriate mental health treatment.