Austin 100 1989 - Le Mans Upgrade

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , Built in September 1954 and originally exported to the US, this BN1 returned to the UK in 1989 and was treated to a documented, photographic restoration and refinished in its current Dark British Racing Green between 1989 and 1993. Since then, it has been fastidiously maintained and sympathetically upgraded, creating an outstanding fast-road Healey with genuine long distance rally credentials.In current ownership since 2021, the car was entrusted to highly regarded marque specialists, JME Healeys, from 2018 onwards for ongoing maintenance and performance upgrades. The engine was fully rebuilt and converted to 100M ‘Le Mans’-specification in 2018 at a cost of £25,000 (invoice on file), including a DWR2 camshaft, 89mm high compression pistons and performance tuning. At the same time, the original 3-speed gearbox was replaced with the superior BN2 4-speed with overdrive, significantly improving drivability. A large core radiator and electric fan were added for better cooling, along with a 123 electronic distributor, high torque starter, tubular manifold and side-exit exhaust. Avon racing tyres were fitted (although the car has never been raced), and the brakes were upgraded from drums to discs, with the original components supplied with the car should the new owner wish to return it to standard.Further enhancements include a rear shroud-mounted fuel filler, front spot lamps, and 72-spoke wire wheels finished in body-colour. The underside remains structurally excellent and painted to match the body, reflecting the quality of the restoration. The car has successfully completed events such as the Canossa and Bassano road-rallies in Italy and an extended tour to Greece, proving both its reliability and dynamic capability.This Healey is accompanied by an outstanding history file containing every invoice from previous owners, a full record of restoration and upgrade works, its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, past and recent service records, a pair of racing stopwatches, an original set of tools, a green protective cover and various certificates. It was previously FIVA-registered and all original parts required to obtain a fresh FIVA pass are included should the next owner wish to do so.An exceptionally well prepared and well documented BN1 that goes far beyond the ‘run of the mill’ Healey, combining period style with 100M performance, expert engineering and superb provenance. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly special fast-road Austin-Healey 100/4 that represents remarkable value in today’s market.