1954 Austin-Healey 100 Roadster

A 1954 BN1 fitted with the Le Mans kit from new is even rarer than the “factory” 100M model of 1955

by Reid Trummel

Following the Austin-Healey 100’s sensational debut at the 1952 Motor Show, the Works entered two mildly modified cars in the 1953 Le Mans 24-Hour race. They finished in 12th and 14th places, a praiseworthy achievement for what were recognizably production sports cars.

Accordingly, the name “Le Mans” was chosen for a bolt-on tuning kit offered through Austin-Healey dealers, by means of which private owners could bring their cars up to a specification approaching that of the Works entries. The kit included a pair of 1 3/4 inch SU HD6 carburetors, plus special inlet manifold and cold air box, high-lift camshaft, stronger valve springs, and a distributor with an alternative ignition advance curve.

With the kit installed, power increased from the standard 90 hp to 100 hp. From 1955, the conversion was available factory-fitted on the successor BN2 model in the form of the 100M. In addition to the Le Mans kit, the latter boasted high-compression pistons,...