1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Up-rated to 100M Specification ( GBP 28000 )

The Austin-Healey 100 was built between 1953 and 1956 by the British Motor Corporation. It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's small car company in Warwick and using the Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals. Healey built a single 'Healey Hundred' for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed Leonard Lord, Managing Director of Austin so much that a deal was struck with Healey to build it in quantity at Austin's Longbridge factory. The car was renamed the Austin-Healey 100. The first 100s (series 'BN1') were equipped with the same 90bhp engines and manual transmission as the Austin A90, but the gearbox was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. The BN2 came with a real 4-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive on the top 2 gears. Features which distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint. In 1955, a 100M model was developed as well, with larger carburettors, a cold air box to increase air flow to the carburettors, high-lift camshaft and 8.1:1 compression pistons. It produced 110bhp at 4500 rpm. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvres, along with a bonnet strap. Most (approximately 70%) of the cars were finished with a two-tone paint scheme. There were 640 factory built 100Ms-all BN2 series cars. The 100M components (except for the high compression pistons) were also available as the Le Mans Engine Modification Kit which could be installed in either a BN1 or BN2 with the engine in situ, improving the power output to approximately 100 bhp at 4500 rpm. The Le Mans kit and its component parts could be ordered from BMC, so cars were modified by Austin dealers and private owners.
This 1955 Austin Healey 100/4 BN2 was modified very early in its life to M specification using the Le Mans Engine Modification Kit which included a high lift-cam shaft, larger carburettors/inlet manifolds and a cold air box. The car was also fitted with disc brakes to the front, wire wheels and louvered bonnet. This 100/4 was restored in 1998 when the colour was changed from yellow to how the car is today, old English white over lobelia blue with matching blue leather seats, blue carpets, hood and tonneau cover, all in very good condition. An aluminium cylinder head with up-rated valve springs was fitted in 2008 together with a big bore exhaust system. The vendor has described the overall mechanical condition as excellent and the car is fully ready for fast road use. This Austin Healey BN2 is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires on 15^th April 2013 and a Heritage certificate numbered 2005/6999. These early 100/4's are eligible for a host of classic events including the Mille Miglia. This is an opportunity to acquire a cared for and regularly used car with all the correct modifications that is ideal for local or international events.