1955 Austin-Healey 100 Le Mans                 Registratio...

Estimate

£55,000 - £65,000

1955 Austin-Healey 100 Le Mans                

Registration Number: 890 UXD
Chassis Number: BN1L227475
Recorded Mileage: 14,750 miles

- Converted when new to Le Mans specification 
- Former property of SCCA national secretary Lester Seasongood, SCCA history
- Approved for Mille Miglia, GP Nuvolari entrant
- Matching numbers engine 

When two largely factory specification Austin-Healeys finished the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans 2nd and 3rd in their class, coming home in 12th and 14th place overall, outpacing and outlasting many purpose-built competitors, suddenly the world woke up and took notice.

Customers naturally wanted to increase their car's performance to “Le Mans” specification, and so the factory created the “Le Mans Engine Modification Kit.” Austin-Healey would launch the 100 M during the 1955 Earls Court Motor Show, a production model equipped to bring performance more in line with their racing brethren. These cars received a louvered hood secured with a leather strap, high-compression pistons, larger sway bars, and uniquely valved shock absorbers. Healey persuaded BMC to list a 'Le Mans kit' (twin 1.75 inch SU carburettors, high-lift camshaft, revised distributor advance curve and stronger valve springs etc) in its parts catalogue for 1954. Known officially as part P-280, it was available to fit on new or old models alike, and by dealers or private individuals. Adopted by BMC themselves (together with the addition of a louvred bonnet complete with leather strap), for the 100M version of the BN2 100/4 introduced in 1955 and a popular upgrade ever since.

This fascinating example was purchased in 1955 from Donald Healey Garages by Lester Seasongood. Seasongood was an insurance broker, active competitor, Senior Officer in the Sports Car Club of America and an area steward, with a high profile role in the SCCA’s activities through to the mid-1970s. A vibrant motor racing culture, SCCA grids comprised all the great European and American sports cars of the period, with intrepid amateurs and professionals alike all competing in Porsches, MGs, Healeys, Corvettes, Ferraris, Maseratis and so on. 

Upon purchase it is thought the conversion to Le Mans specification was undertaken by Donald Healey Garages in Warwick, and before the car’s onward journey to the United States. A period photograph shows Lester Seasongood upon arrival in his new 100/4, with Le Mans modifications such as the louvred bonnet with straps and front spot light. By 1957 the Healey was in the hands of fellow competitor and editor of the St. Louis post, Mr. Jim Lawrence. Lawrence campaigned the car before a number of years later selling to Mr. Phil Larson in 1968. 

By the early 2000s the 100/4 was back in the UK, in 2003 being restored by its then-owner, a Mr.  Mark Barnes. The photo file documents this restoration, alongside the car’s conversion to RHD specification. The Healey retains its original engine ‘1B/227475-M’, which now benefits from a lightened and balanced Denis Welch flywheel, matched to a 4-speed gearbox and with front disc brakes, servo, competition clutch and thrust bearing, a lightweight Dynamite alternator, expansion tank and high ratio rear axle.

Our vendor has owned the Healey for 10 or more years, joining a small collection of period competition-focused cars. The 100/4 has been his partner of choice for the Gran Premio Nuvolari events, more recently being stored carefully and used occasionally.

In preparation for a possible Mille Miglia entry, in 2018 our vendor went through the process  to put the Healey onto the 1000 Registro, now valid til 2028. The car has been pre-approved as eligible for entry into the Mille Miglia, but was sadly not entered at the time due to Covid.

The comprehensive history file contains various receipts, a photographic record of the restoration, FIVA identity card, Heritage Certificate and UK V5C registration.

Finished in Old English White over Lobelia Blue (one of just 108 such cars in this scheme), this restored and lightly modified car is quick, agile, well sorted and hugely enjoyable to drive.