Austin Healey 100M

"On revient toujours a  son premier amour." Thirty years ago, when Marreyt Classics had just been founded, Austin-Healeys were often seen guests in our showroom and in our workshop. In our first years, we have bought, disassembled, restored, reassembled and sold several dozens of these charming British sports cars. But the classic car world has so many interesting things to offer. Over the years, prewar British cars, postwar Lancias, Otto Vus, Etceterini and other marvellous classics made us lose track of these sporty little Austin-Healeys... until today! They say one always returns to their first love, and this is exactly what we thought when we saw this sparkling 100M. When looking at the history of Austin-Healey, we see that from the very beginning of the marque, it was immediately recognised by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Therefore it doesn't come as a surprise that when John and Margee McCormick of California wanted to start competing in SCCA events in California, they picked this new, light and nimble British sports car as their weapon of choice. They ordered a left-hand drive Austin-Healey 100/4, delivered by the factory with the "Le Mans" performance parts to further boost the car's strong and reliable 2.6 liter four-cylinder engine to 110bhp. On top of that, the car was fitted with the factory overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Unusual to our European eyes, they chose a livery of Florida Green over Old English White which the car still wears today, and it actually fits the car very well. The "Le Mans" upgrade that they ordered was a very comprehensive performance package including reinforced front suspension, larger S.U. carburetors, air box intake, new 8.1:1 high compression pistons and a revised cam. The body received a louvered hood to expel heat and a leather bonnet strap for safety at speed. Initially, the 100M was available through the factory only, and 640 were built at Longbridge. Additionally, customers could order the 100M performance parts as the Le Mans Engine Modification Kit through BMC dealers and have them retrofit to existing cars or fitted prior to delivery. Make no mistake however, this is one of only 640 genuine "Factory M", as certified by both a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate as well as a 100M Le Mans Registry Certificate. John and Margee McCormick kept the car for 32 years, and after a brief ownership, the second owner sold this Austin-Healey to Bill Lamping, president of the Austin Healey Owner's Club at that time. It is under his ownership that the car has been restored to factory specifications. With limited and very careful use by the last owner, this car has barely aged since the 1990's. We have already fallen in love with this refreshing green & white 100M. If the Austin-Healey 100/4 was also your first love, then this original factory BN2 "Le Mans" with period racing history is the one you're looking for!