1956 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/M

In the years following WWII, Americans gained a strong appetite for British sports cars, and by the early Fifties, a good percentage of the UK’s total production was for export. Donald Healey correctly identified a gap in the market between the MG and the comparatively more expensive Jaguars. Aided by his eldest son Geoffrey, he designed a striking two seater, employing many Austin components to keep manufacturing costs down. When Austin Chairman Sir Leonard Lord saw the prototype on Healey’s stand at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show, he was so impressed that a proposal was made to manufacture the cars in Austin’s factories. The ensuing partnership yielded some of the most iconic and beloved sports cars of the era. The example on display is a rare 100/M, which features a high-compression head and 110bhp output.

Did you know?

Only about 640 Austin Healey 100/M models were built.

The bonnet and bootlid are constructed of aluminium, meaning the car was lighter than the standard Austin Healey 100.