The Austin-Healey 100 series made a significant impact on the automotive world with its impressive debut at the 1952 Motor Show, where it immediately garnered attention for its blend of British craftsmanship and performance. This initial success was further solidified when two modified versions of the Austin-Healey 100 were entered into the grueling 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour Race, finishing in commendable 12th and 14th places among production sports cars—a remarkable achievement for a newcomer.
To capitalize on their racing success and satisfy demand from enthusiasts, Austin-Healey dealerships began offering a “Le Mans” tuning kit shortly thereafter. This kit allowed private owners to upgrade their standard Austin-Healey 100 cars to a specification closely resembling the race entries. The kit comprised significant enhancements, including larger 1¾” SU HD6 carburetors, a special inlet manifold, a cold air box for improved intake, a high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs, and a distributor with an alternative ignition advance curve. These modifications collectively increased the engine’s output from 90 to 100 horsepower, enhancing both acceleration and top-end performance.
In October 1955, Austin-Healey introduced the factory-fitted version of the Le Mans kit for the BN2 model, officially creating the Austin-Healey 100M. Beyond the aftermarket modifications, the 100M incorporated additional performance-oriented upgrades. These included high-compression pistons, a stiffer front anti-roll bar to reduce body roll during cornering, special Armstrong front dampers for improved handling, and a distinctive louvered bonnet that not only enhanced engine cooling but also added to the car’s aggressive appearance.
With these enhancements, the Austin-Healey 100M boasted an impressive power output of 110 horsepower, significantly up from the base model, and could achieve a top speed approaching 120 mph with the windscreen folded flat—a configuration favored by racing enthusiasts for its aerodynamic advantage.
Production numbers for the Austin-Healey 100M were limited but noteworthy. Approximately 1,159 cars were converted to 100M specification between 1955 and 1956. Most of these were BN2 models, with around 640 completed at the factory and 544 exported to the lucrative American market—a testament to the car’s popularity and performance appeal across the Atlantic.
The Austin-Healey 100M remains a celebrated model among collectors and enthusiasts today, revered for its racing pedigree, distinctive styling, and enhanced performance capabilities. It represents a pivotal chapter in Austin-Healey’s history, where motorsport success translated into tangible improvements for road-going enthusiasts, ensuring its legacy as a beloved British sports car that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
