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Austin Healey 100 Le Mans
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The Austin Healey 100 Le Mans was a limited production, factory-built, high performance sportscar. On factory 100 M Healeys, the car's registered body plate number also appears on the hood's left edge, the trunk lid support bracket and on the inside of each piece of aluminum cockpit trim. The cars had H6 carbs, special inlet manifolds, a cold air box and air tubes. The engine was fit with high compression pistons and a high lift cam, all installed at the factory. The increased horsepower, louvred hood and strap gave the car a very sporting, racey look. Later, Austin Healey dealers could supply and install the various "M" components for existing 100 owners. These cars are referred to as "dealer M's." The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust can provide a production record trace certificate which will note under the "other information" section that "with the louvred bonnet, this car is a genuine factory- built 100 "M" or LeMans model." This factory M came to Fourintune for a complete restoration in very original, but rough condition.(photo #1) Much of the original red interior was still there though the floors were rusted completely through. The original armacord material was still attached to the battery door with Karvel carpet still on the transmission tunnel. The BL Heritage Certificate indicated that it was a factory-built LeMans model. The owner's intentions were clear from the start, to restore the car to the highest concours standards and be awarded at the gold level.
After the chassis was sandblasted, new side sills were installed and a door striker panel fit in addition to floors and various patches.(photo #2) The body of the car is hung during the chassis repair process so that all clearances can be adjusted if necessary. Since the Healey has both steel panels (fenders,doors etc.) and aluminum (shrouds), both types of welding are required. At this time, the front grill, headlight trim rings, valance are trail fit so any necessary adjustments can be made prior paint.(photo #3) The 100 M has a louvered hood made by Jensen that consists of two rows with a space for the leather safety strap.
After the chassis is painted, all mechanicals are rebuilt, detailed and installed. Weather permitting, the chassis might be driven in the parking lot to test the various mechanical components prior hanging the body. The front suspension of the 100 has the same front shocks as the later Healeys, but has drum brakes.(photo #4) The rear shock close-up photo shows concours level detailing where each fastener is the same type used by the factory. Note that the shock arm is painted gloss black but the aluminum body of the shock is not.(photo #5)
In order for the cold air box to fit, a special support bracket is mounted to the shroud supports(right in photo #6). The "cold air box" replaces the air cleaners on the LeMans models. The box is unfinished aluminum and has a brass plaque with the 100 flash that states "This car has been fitted with a "LeMans" modification kit" attached with small, slotted screws.
A completed engine room on a factory M hooked up and ready to run.(photo #7) Here you can see the cold air box with plaque mounted next to the carbs. The rocker cover is stamped steel and painted the same color as the rest of the engine. The oil filler cap is also painted and secured with a short painted staywire. A standard cover could be ordered with a chrome-plated finish from the factory as a special order. The older aftermarket covers made of cast aluminum with a finned top and the Healey wing badge are quite rare.
The 100 spare tire boot fits just behind the seats and rests on top of the battery door. The rear deck area is fit with armacord material, which is also used for the trunk lining. Contrasting piping on the seats was optional for some of the color combinations that were offered.(photo #8) This car had much of the original interior when it came in for restoration; and although it could not be saved, it was a wonderful reference for duplicating what the factory had installed when the car was new.
This factory 100 LeMans was restored in 1990 for Bill and Sandy Parks of Newport News, VA. The car was finished and shipped to the AHCA Conclave in Sturbridge, MA in July of 1991 where it was judged by the concours committee and recived a gold award. The Healey has been judged by the Antique Automobile Club of America and was awarded a First Junior in 1992, First Senior in 1994 and Senior Grand National in 1998. In 1999, the Healey was shown at the Amelia Island Concours where it won an award in the sports cars class. In 2001, the car was given the Lion's Award at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours in the sports car circle. This 100 M has won numberous awards at local and British Car shows and is currently taken on organized tours throughout the country.
This concours gold award-winning factory M now sports "flame throwers" mounted on the front valance and has chrome wire wheels. The windshield in the lowered position is the ultimate sporting style statement.(photo #9)The body designof the Austin Healey 100 models was the work of Gerry Coker, whose work is as beautiful today as when the car was introduced in 1952. |
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