100 Madness

[Healey 100]

All the Healey magazines publishing the latest details about what is or is not a "Factory Built 100M" is fascinating but seems to add more questions than answers. Is a factory built 100M with a replacement ignition switch or new carburetor no longer a factory built 100M? Even that little M on the flash has been called into question, not clear that all the original M's had them.

The oft stated fact that the 640 cars fitted with louvered hoods from Jenson as being factory built 100 M's has problems too. In Geoff Healey's book he says there may have been some cars built with just the louvered hoods but without other M modifications. He also indicated that a significant but unrecorded number of Healeys were factory converted to M specs at Warwick earlier when they sent unlouvered hoods back to Jensen to be louvered. Wouldn't this suggest there are possibly non-100M's on the list of 640 and also some factory built 100M's that are not on the list? If so, does being on or off the list of 640 really prove the car is a factory built 100M?

Great work for all of those unearthing these Healey facts, I am impressed with this sort of archeology. Seems that the Healey production controls were still loose enough so there will always be a little undertainty about what is or is not a factory built 100M.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

...does being on or off the list of 640 really prove the car is a factory built 100M? ...

It's quite possible/probable a few 'standard' BN1/2s left the factory with louvered bonnets but without the M mods. However, they wouldn't have some of the obvious characteristics of an M, such as the hand-engraved H6 carbs and the special distributor. Bill Meade, keeper of the 100M Registry, will issue a 'registry-verified' certificate only if the owner can produce proof of the proper carbs, distributor, etc. along with the body trim numbers.

Conceivably, someone could acquire a BMIHT cert with the 'louvred bonnet' annotation, then add the proper carbs, distributor, etc. (if he can find them). Then, you have to ask, does it become a 'factory' 100M?

 

[Editor_Reid]

Bill Meade's excellent article, that appears in the current issue of HEALEY MARQUE magazine, published monthly exclusively by the Austin-Healey Club of America, has received more praise than any other article I have seen in many years of editing and publishing.

I would also like to highly recommend the article that appears here in the Austin-Healey Forum titled "What is (and isn't) a 100M?"

As a long-time observer of these matters, and a long-time owner of a factory 100M, I have noticed a trend or two. One is that owners of non-factory cars often try to blur the difference between the factory 100M and those cars that aren't. Another is that some people seem to delight in speculation and seize on anomalies to cloud the issue.

Yes, Geoff Healey mentioned something about the possibility of a car or two with a louvered being delivered to destinations with warm climates. Two points about that: first, we've never uncovered one, and second, even if such a thing happened, we don't know if it was a car originally delivered by Jensen with a louvered bonnet and was one of the 640. Some people seem to like to repeat this as a way of throwing cold water on the accuracy and authenticity of the figure 640, or perhaps just to make themselves look smart. It's a point without a meaning. 640 is a good figure based on written records and not based on a vague and unspecified recollection. Unless and until we get some better, verifiable data, it's a pointless argument. Any figure could be wrong.

The 640 cars were part of an organized program to produce, from new, a separate model introduced and marketed as the 100M. Other cars modified at the Donald Healey Motor Company were "other cars" that were "modified" at/by the Donald Healey Motor Company (or perhaps elsewhere). They’re not 100Ms. If I take a 1972 911S and replace parts until I have a 911 Carrera-spec car - identical and indistinguishable from a car originally built and sold as a 911 Carrera - I don't have a 911 Carrera. It's called a "tribute" or a "clone." Why this concept is so difficult in the Healey world remains a mystery. Tell you what: Take your 100 that was possibly modified at the Donald Healey Motor Company to 100M specs, but is not on the list of 640, to an auction and the market will help clarify things for you.

The little "M" that was attached to the grille badge of many/most 100M cars is not part of the 100M specification, although I've never heard of a car with one attached when it wasn't a factory 100M. The idea that it "could" have happened is useless speculation.

Of course a factory 100M with replacement parts is still a factory 100M. It's just a factory 100M without some of its original parts. You can drop a 289 into one and it's still a factory 100M; it's just one that no longer has its original motor. The market will quickly tell you what that does to the value of the car.

The fact that a factory 100M is worth so much more is not some conspiracy cooked up by owners. The market has established this situation. And the market has, in the process, motivated some people to make cars fraudulently promoted as 100Ms when they are not, and/or motivated some to try to blur the difference between the real ones and the others. Bill Meade’s effort – and our support of it in publishing the story – is to try to preserve the integrity of the cars that are, as can be best established by the facts, the real thing. Speculation about “possibilities” is a useless distraction, and ultimately the market is a great clarifying force.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Geez, Reid, I hope you aren't slammin' on me. All I did was point out that a couple cars were supposedly delivered with louvered bonnets only--I might have read that in the Piggott book but don't recall for sure--and could be modified after the fact to M specs. In no way was I trying to concoct a conspiracy of any sort.

As an owner of a factory 100M--that I'm restoring with my own hands to as near correct as possible--I have as much interest in observing and preserving their special provenance as anybody.

I pointed out that the 'louvered bonnet' annotation does not necessarily an M make, though if you add the goodies and have the 'paperwork,' then what do you have?

 

[Editor_Reid]

Geez, Reid, I hope you aren't slammin' on me. All I did was point out that a couple cars were supposedly delivered with louvered bonnets only--I might have read that in the Piggott book but don't recall for sure--and could be modified after the fact to M specs. In no way was I trying to concoct a conspiracy of any sort.

Nothing personal in it. It's been a long time since I proofread and commented on the draft of the Piggott book; don't remember exactly what it said on the subject, but as I do remember it, there wasn't anything wrong in it.

I pointed out that the 'louvered bonnet' annotation does not necessarily an M make, though if you add the goodies and have the 'paperwork,' then what do you have?

Then you would have a car that is known not to be a 100M, and if it is passed off as a 100M, it is a fraudulent example. But since we've never yet found a car with the "louvered bonnet" notation on the Job Production Card that was not a real 100M, it's just useless speculation.

 

[CLEAH]

The little "M" that was attached to the grille badge of many/most 100M cars is not part of the 100M specification, although I've never heard of a car with one attached when it wasn't a factory 100M. The idea that it "could" have happened is useless speculation.

Reid,

I'm curious where the M badges came from if not supplied by the factory? Also, what is the significance of the letter "M"?

Thanks.

 

[Editor_Reid]

Reid, I'm curious where the M badges came from if not supplied by the factory? Also, what is the significance of the letter "M"? Thanks.

The M badges were supplied by the factory. The Donald Healey Motor Company had them made and affixed them to the existing 100 grille badge as the M bits were installed. It was just never listed as one of the parts of the 100M specification, and I've never seen a part number for them. I don't think they could be ordered. It's just something that they had made and affixed at Warwick. However, if they ran out for a while, or maybe just forgot, a 100M could end up leaving without one. There are reportedly some cases of true 100Ms that do not seem to have ever had one. Production control wasn't what it is today.

 

[judow]

I agree with Reid's assessment of the 100M. Bill Meade is to my mind the ultimate authority and the market is an equal authority on what is and what is not an M. As to replacing original parts with new, sometimes that cannot be helped. A car that is 50+ years old and driven is a prime candidate for replacement parts. As Healey 100 is aware and thanks to his knowledge of local auto shops, when there was a problem with the head in Agatha, we were indeed fortunate to be able to have it fixed rather than replaced. I have always been adament in fixing rather than replacing and when a change has been made, the original part has been retained for possible rehab. It would seem that there will always be discussion surrounding a real "M" but I think if BMHIT confirms the vehicle as being an "M", then it is an "M."

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey All,
I agree with Reid's comments on Bill Meade's recent article in Healey Marque - excellent and further demonstrates how Bill and the 100M Registry has been "leading the charge" for many years now in trying to keep things straight ! Kudos to Bill for something that I know has morphed into more than a part time job for him. I still continue to be amazed by recent auction results and guess they will only continue to go higher and that pricing increases the values of all BN2's, be they modified to 100M specs or stock. Either way, a win/win for BN2 owners. Have mine out right now doing some "fiddly stuff" as the Brits might say and getting ready to take her out this afternoon. About 60+ here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and perfect Healey weather !
Regards,
Mike

 

[Healey 100]

I guess my main concern isn't with the possibility that a few of the 640 louvered hood cars might not be 100M's. But rather the earlier 100Ms that were built at Warwick with their hoods sent back to Jensen for louvering. I would also call these cars factory built 100Ms and I wonder how many there are. Geoff Healey's book implies there are quite a a few of these cars. I suppose we can never know exact numbers, but I have to respect Healey's written word about them.

I certainly appreciate all the hard work done by Bill Meade and other 100M historians to identify all the subtle features that are part of 100M spec. I only think it's important to acknowledge that it is possible that there are also factory built 100M's outside the 640 louvered hood models.

PS: there seems to be no shortage of 100M louvered hoods around, we've all seen many non-factory 100s out there with properly louvered hoods. Where did these hoods come from? Taking a non-louvered hood apart to louver it with the proper pattern is no small task.

 

[bighealeysource]

You can buy aluminum 100M style hoods from Moss and AH Spares in UK. Now, steel ones are another story but no problem getting aluminum ones.
Regards,
Mike

 

[Editor_Reid]

I guess my main concern isn't with the possibility that a few of the 640 louvered hood cars might not be 100M's. But rather the earlier 100Ms that were built at Warwick with their hoods sent back to Jensen for louvering. I would also call these cars factory built 100Ms and I wonder how many there are. Geoff Healey's book implies there are quite a a few of these cars. I suppose we can never know exact numbers, but I have to respect Healey's written word about them.

Of course there were cars fitted with performance modifications at the Donald Healey Motor Company (and elsewhere) before the 100M model was introduced. Bill Meade also welcomes them to his registry. However, there are no known records of these cars, except in a very few rare cases where an owner has an original receipt for the work carried out.

That said, it is an error to assume that these cars are nothing but 100M models produced before records were kept. First of all, the Le Mans Engine Modification Kit did not include all elements of the 100M specification, and that Kit was typically what an owner sent his standard car to Warwick to have installed. Secondly, there was no standardization to the list of modifications carried out. Some had some modifications, others had other modifications; owners could specify whatever modifications they desired, from the list of available parts, and the result is that there are many different results. They weren’t making undocumented 100Ms, they were applying a variety of mods to different cars – standard cars fitted with various aftermarket parts.

Such cars are interesting and may command a small premium over completely standard cars, but they are not 100Ms.

I certainly appreciate all the hard work done by Bill Meade and other 100M historians to identify all the subtle features that are part of 100M spec. I only think it's important to acknowledge that it is possible that there are also factory built 100M's outside the 640 louvered hood models.

The 100M specification was not subtle. It was completely explicit; a list of the elements that compose it was standardized and published. It was a named model beginning only when it began production and was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1955. Other cars, modified before, during and after the 100M was produced, are just standard cars with some aftermarket modifications.

PS: there seems to be no shortage of 100M louvered hoods around, we've all seen many non-factory 100s out there with properly louvered hoods. Where did these hoods come from? Taking a non-louvered hood apart to louver it with the proper pattern is no small task.

Some parts suppliers sell louvered bonnets. Some enthusiasts have even undertaken this work; Paul Schwartz for example, although I don’t believe that he does it any longer.

 

[RandyHicks]

"Of course there were cars fitted with performance modifications at the Donald Healey Motor Company (and elsewhere) before the 100M model was introduced. Bill Meade also welcomes them to his registry. However, there are no known records of these cars, except in a very few rare cases where an owner has an original receipt for the work carried out."

I certainly agree with Reid here. There are several cars in the AHCA 100 Registry that received "Le Mans" modifications at the Warwick facility before the introduction of the 100M. In fact, the first were modified in February & May, 1954. (certainly there may have been more in that time frame but that is all in the Registry).

Also, to date there is only one documented factory build "Le Mans" 100 in the Registry, Built April, 1955 and supported with the Dealer Invoice.

 

[nevets]

The 100M story is really interesting. Do records show where these cars were delivered (specific dealerships) and what was the process for purchase? Were they displayed on showroom floors? Were the original purchasers required to place an order in advance, or was it possible to buy one off the lot? At what point did the M designation take on significance in value? Perhaps I am wrong, but I have to believe that like most used sportscars in the 60s - 70s, 100Ms were regarded as inexpensive fun cars to be enjoyed then sold and resold among high school and college guys with little knowledge about obscure factory designations.

 

[MarshgrassA]

I just finished looking at the RM Auction catalog for Amelia Island and was curious about the 100M they have listed. I am not a bidder but but wish I could be. This is stated to be a #'s matching Dealer Prepared Le Mans. The listing also states that in addition to the 640 original M's there were about 500 "Le Mans" conversion kits issued to dealers and owners.
My question is are the cars that were converted with these kits tracked or are you rolling the dice if you buy something like this?

Cheers,
Irene

 

[HealeyRick]

I just finished looking at the RM Auction catalog for Amelia Island and was curious about the 100M they have listed. I am not a bidder but but wish I could be. This is stated to be a #'s matching Dealer Prepared Le Mans. The listing also states that in addition to the 640 original M's there were about 500 "Le Mans" conversion kits issued to dealers and owners.
My question is are the cars that were converted with these kits tracked or are you rolling the dice if you buy something like this?

Cheers,
Irene

GET THE DEFIBRILLATOR READY FOR REID! This is not a 100M and RM should know way better. It's a 100 fitted with a LeMans kit. It will be worth more than a standard 100, but no where near what an "M" will fetch. BTW, Irene, are you going to Amelia? It really is an impressive show.

 

[Healey 100]

I know that LeMans kitted cars are out there and they are not 100M's. Including some kits that may have been installed by the Healeys in Warwick over the years.

But Goeff Healey's book specifically states that the first 100M spec cars (not LeMans kits, though they include features that were also sold in kits) were modified at Warwick just like all the 100M's -- except their bonnets were sent back to Jensen for louvering. These 100M's did not have their body numbers recorded and are not on the list of 640, yet they are certainly factory built 100M's.

This all sounds like a discussion of how many angels can dance on the head of a 100M. But I object to the oft stated "fact" that there were just 640 factory built 100M's, identified by Jensen production records on louvered bonnets. Sure, most of those 640 are probably factory built 100M's, but what about the other earlier M's? How many were there? I don't know if anyone claims to have one, perhaps Bill Meade knows if there are any in his registry.

 

[Editor_Reid]

I just finished looking at the RM Auction catalog for Amelia Island and was curious about the 100M they have listed. I am not a bidder but but wish I could be. This is stated to be a #'s matching Dealer Prepared Le Mans. The listing also states that in addition to the 640 original M's there were about 500 "Le Mans" conversion kits issued to dealers and owners.
My question is are the cars that were converted with these kits tracked or are you rolling the dice if you buy something like this?

It’s not so much that it is a roll of the dice because there is no chance that you’ll get lucky and it will surprisingly turn out to be a factory/authentic/real 100M; it is just a matter of not knowing exactly what you are getting.

If the car is not one of the 640 100Ms, it is a not a 100M. They shouldn’t call it a 100M. It’s just a standard car that, reportedly, has some aftermarket modifications applied.

The figure “about 500” is slippery, at best. It is based on a supposition that is based on a figure of unknown and undocumented origin. The story of the figure 1159 is a bit long and perhaps I’ll include it in this thread later, but for now I will just say that it is questionable.

Here is an example of these “Le Mans modified cars” that may help put their rarity and value into perspective. I own a standard 100. It’s the car in my signature photo below. Since I have owned it (for 30 years), I have changed the standard bonnet for a factory-original louvered one. Most components of the Le Mans kit have also been added, and most of them are factory original bits (not later reproduction parts). So do I have something that is now far more valuable and far more rare that should command a far higher price than for a standard car? After all, the Le Mans kit could be installed by a dealer or an owner, so what’s the difference if it was installed by a dealer in the mid-1950s or by an owner in the late 1990s?

By installing a couple of thousand dollars in old parts, did I just double the value of the car? I say no, it’s just a standard car with some aftermarket parts installed. Yes, they are interesting parts that were available when the cars were new, but we err when we begin to believe that it is some kind of discrete model, as if there are “factory 100Ms” and “dealer- and owner-converted 100Ms.” No, there are factory 100Ms and all the rest are just 100s, some of which have some aftermarket modifications applied.

 

[MarshgrassA]

Rick,
I do want to go to Amelia. Was planning on making it this year but we have some family issues that have come up so it will be a last minute call.

This is really an interesting topic on the M cars and I look forward to more conversation from you experts. At least one of you guys know me and know I have wanted a "Big Healey" for some time so this info is certainly not wasted on me.

Irene

 

[RandyHicks]

By installing a couple of thousand dollars in old parts, did I just double the value of the car? I say no, it’s just a standard car with some aftermarket parts installed. Yes, they are interesting parts that were available when the cars were new, but we err when we begin to believe that it is some kind of discrete model, as if there are “factory 100Ms” and “dealer- and owner-converted 100Ms.” No, there are factory 100Ms and all the rest are just 100s, some of which have some aftermarket modifications applied.

Certainly agree Reid. This has been a sore point of mine. Factory 100M's are Factory 100M's. Certain dealer were issued 100M Kits but they were not recorded and the dealers did not keep records of where the parts went for the most part. or were they sold as complete kits. I recently sold a BN1 that had a dealer installed louvered bonnet and larger sway bar a month after original purchase. Only part of a Kit.

Regarding the Factory 100M's I support Bill Meade and his 100M Registry (both my factory 100M's are recorded with him) but feel that by allowing cars converted to 100M spec into the registry has muddied the waters. Why should a converted to 100M spec car, with new parts, built recently be allowed into the 100M registry? (I understand they are in a separate category)

May be I'm just too much of a purist but I don't get it or agree.