1954 Austin Healey 100M Review: A Timeless British Sports Car With Le Mans Heritage

In the mid-1950s, British sports cars gained a reputation for being quick on a racetrack, and fun to drive on a hill circuit, all while being relatively affordable. These small sports cars became icons of their era, gaining value over the decades. The 1954 Austin-Healey 100M is a perfect representation of the sports cars of this era. 

The Austin-Healey 100M is a sports car that offers enthusiasts a driving experience that blends the charm of classic motoring with the thrill of competitive performance. This article delves into the origins, history, and exceptional qualities of the Austin-Healey 100M, with the spotlight on a meticulously restored example that embodies the spirit of a bygone automotive age.

The Austin-Healey marque was born from a partnership between the Austin division of the British Motor Company and the Donald Healey Motor Company. Donald Healey, an accomplished engineer, rally driver, and car designer developed the Healey Hundred, a prototype based on the mechanicals of the Austin A90.

The Healey Hundred was displayed at the 1952 London Motor Show and impressed Leonard Lord, the Managing Director of Austin. At the time, Austin was looking for a replacement for the A90 and the Hundred seemed like the right choice. This eventually led to a partnership and the formation of Austin-Healey. 

The Healey Hundred was renamed Austin-Healey 100 and production began in 1953. The 100 was named for its ability to reach 100mph (161km/h), a remarkable feat for a production car at the time. However, its speed was soon set to increase drastically. 

The 1953 24 Hours Of Le Mans race saw the entry of two Austin-Healey 100 sports cars. These cars were at the Le Mans primarily for marketing purposes. Hence, they were present in almost street spec and ran the race with even the chrome bumpers on them. However, they did more than just marketing. The cars finished in the 12th and 14th place, which was an amazing feat.

Under the bonnet though, the cars ran a slightly different setup. They featured a performance camshaft and distributor, and 1.75-inch carburettors replaced the standard 1.5-inch carbs. The final drive ratio was also altered. Together, these modifications are understood to have increased the power output by approximately 20hp. As a result, the Le Mans 100s produced around 1110hp instead of the standard 90hp. 

The Austin-Healey 100M, introduced in 1954, was a factory-modified version of the standard 100, designed to meet the demands of enthusiasts and racers alike. Inspired by the brand’s participation in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 100M featured performance modifications from the Le Mans car, therefore transforming it into a more potent sports car. 

These upgrades included a high-lift camshaft, larger carburetors, and a cold air intake system. The ‘M’ in 100M stands for ‘Modified,’ and the car was capable of a top speed of just over 190km/h. While only 640 units of the 100M were built at the factory, many standard 100s were retrofitted with the Le Mans kit, making them nearly indistinguishable from the factory-built models. 

The specific Austin-Healey 100M we’re reviewing today has a rich history that reflects its global journey and the dedication of its owners. Initially delivered to the original owner in Düsseldorf, Germany, this car eventually found its way to Philadelphia in the United States when the owner moved there. 

The original owner cherished the car until 1990 when it was sold to the second owner who drove the car for 11 years before it was placed into dry storage, where it remained untouched for nearly two decades.

In 2020, the car was sold again and underwent a thorough two-year restoration at the hands of the current owner. This restoration brought it to a competition-worthy condition. Every detail was meticulously addressed, sparing no expense to ensure the car exceeded its original performance specifications. 

Although this particular Austin-Healey is not a factory-built Le Mans version, it features all the modifications associated with the 1953 Le Mans car, making it a true representation of the 100M’s racing pedigree, and it bears the official certification for these modifications from the 100M ‘Le Mans’ Registry.

Under the bonnet, this Austin-Healey 100M retains its original 2.7-litre inline-4 engine, enhanced with a suite of performance modifications that include a special camshaft, tuned H6 carburetors, and an aluminum cold air box. These upgrades increase the engine’s output to 110 horsepower, a 20 horsepower gain over the standard 100 model. 

At just 1,010kg, the car’s weight is minimal. This is due to the use of aluminum components like the louvered bonnet, trunk lid, doors, and fuel tank. The result is a powerful yet nimble sports car, capable of delivering thrilling acceleration. The improved power-to-weight ratio, combined with the engine’s high torque, ensures that the 100M provides an exhilarating driving experience, whether on a twisty backroad or a straight highway.

This 100M isn’t just about raw power; it also incorporates several technical improvements that enhance its drivability and reliability. It features front disc brakes that provide significantly better stopping power compared to the original drum brakes, and the upgraded brake master cylinder ensures consistent and responsive braking performance. 

The addition of a 123 ignition system, modern alternator, and starter motor improves the car’s electrical reliability, while the updated water pump ensures effective cooling, even under strenuous conditions. These modifications are subtle yet impactful, preserving the car’s classic charm while making it more suited to modern driving conditions. 

Behind the wheel, this 1954 Austin-Healey 100M offers an experience that is both engaging and rewarding. The car starts with ease, and once up to temperature, the engine maintains optimum oil pressure. The cooling system keeps engine temperatures in check. 

The clutch engages smoothly, and the gearbox offers precise, satisfying shifts. In the third and fourth gears, the electric overdrive engages without a hitch. The car’s lightweight construction and responsive steering make it particularly enjoyable in tight corners, where it feels agile and composed. Driving with the windshield in its unique lower position adds to the sensation of speed and connection with the road, making every journey a memorable experience.

As time has passed, the Austin-Healey 100M has become increasingly recognized for its significance in automotive history. Early four-cylinder Healeys like the 100M are now celebrated as the foundation of the brand’s success, and their value among collectors has steadily risen. The rarity of a true 100M, especially one that has been carefully restored to competition condition, makes it a highly sought-after piece of motoring history.

This particular example, verified by the British Heritage Trust and the 100M Registry, is an authentic and genuine car. Its detailed record of ownership, combined with its meticulous restoration, positions it as a sound investment for collectors.

Looking for a classic sports car that combines heritage, performance, and collectability? The 1954 Austin-Healey 100M offers a great proposition. Prices for the Austin Healey 100M usually range between AED 280,000 and AED 799,000. This immaculate Austin-Healey 100M listed for sale on DubiCars is priced at AED 392,000. 

Austin-Healey produced 640 units of the 100M from the factory. However, 100s rebuilt into 100Ms and officially certified are abundant.

Prices of Austin-Healey 100Ms range between AED 280,000 and AED 799,000, depending on their condition and heritage.

The standard Austin-Healey 100 had a top speed of 100mph (161km/h). However, the 100M with its Le Mans-inspired modifications had a top speed of around 120mph (193km/h).

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