100 - BN1 Le Mans 1955

This Austin Healey was specifically built for le mans to participate in the Mille Miglia. For the races in 1954 the car was run with a 100M engine and three-speed transmission with overdrive in the two top gears. In 1954 Donald Healey Motor Company fitted the prototype 100S engine and the rear end was changed to a 2.9 to 1 ratio from the original 3.6 to 1. The body was updated  to the 100S specifications with the oval grille. In 1955 the car was entered in a Le mans race, but not by the Donald Healey Motor Company or the Austin Company but was entered by a french distributor of Austin Healey's. During the first two and a halve hours the car was going strong doing an impressive 155mph on the Mulsanne straight. The Healey was struck on the left rear wing by a Mercedes-Benz while both were traveling at a high speed. Because of the deaths caused by the accident the car was kept in France for over a year for investigation. When it was released to the Donald Healey Motor Company, they repaired the car and in 1957 sold to a number of drivers who kept on racing the car. From the early 60's to 1969 the car was unused till it was sold to the present owner. Until today the car hasn't been restored and the owner said it can be enjoyed as a peace of Austin Healey History.