Value Premium for a Le Mans Kit-Equipped 100

[Editor_Reid]

Kinda changes the perspective a little (in my mind anyway). Instead of buyers specifically 'targeting' a 100M for the added performance (or panache) it's probable--since a relatively large number of BN2 100Ms were shipped--that some bought 100Ms because they wanted a Healey 100 and there happened to be an 'M' on the lot (and, of course, the 'louvred bonnet' is way cool).

Absolutely. There was hardly a waiting list for the 100M. In fact, here is an extract of the history of my 100M that I wrote with the help of the original owner, from whom I bought it, and it demonstrates that they were not necessarily all that sought after back in the day:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]My 100M was purchased new by Phillip H. Hancock on November 2, 1956. He purchased the car from Speedcraft Enterprises in Exton, Pennsylvania. The owner of Speedcraft Enterprises, Otto Linton, had accepted the car with a shipment of the then-new Austin-Healey 100-Six models which he received from Max Hoffman, the New York distributor for Austin. Production of the Austin-Healey 100 (and 100M) had ended in July 1956, and production of the new 100-Six model had begun in August. Thus, this 100M was a "left-over" which was included in a shipment of the newer 100-Six cars. This may demonstrate that during this period, the 100M was not especially highly sought after. In this case, a distributor still had a new one remaining in November, well after production had ceased (in July), and several months after this particular car was built (in February).[/QUOTE]

(PM me with your email address if you'd like to read the entire history of this car and I'll send it to you.)

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Consistent with pretty much any 'special edition' car; usually, only a small percentage of enthusiasts go for such models (Yenko 'Vette, Bullitt or California Special Mustang, etc.).

Just think, though (cribbing from the Hyundai commercial); if he knew, the dealer could have guaranteed a trade-in value of 50 times the price of the car (in 65 years).

 

[HealeyRick]

Thanks, Reid; very informative.

Kinda changes the perspective a little (in my mind anyway). Instead of buyers specifically 'targeting' a 100M for the added performance (or panache) it's probable--since a relatively large number of BN2 100Ms were shipped--that some bought 100Ms because they wanted a Healey 100 and there happened to be an 'M' on the lot (and, of course, the 'louvred bonnet' is way cool).

I also wonder how much the $290 price increase of the M affected sales. Although it doesn't seem like a lot of money today, it was 10% of the $2945 price of the 100. In today's terms, if the 100 was a $35,000 car, the M would set you back another $3,500.

 

[richch]

What's all this about the second colour of a duotone M being added at Warwick???? Where did that come from?? I never knew they had painting facilities there to do much beyond touch ups.

There are pictures of duotone Hundred body shells on the paint line at Jensens and some of these would be picked from the production line much later to be sent to Warwick to have the M stuff added. The duotone cars not picked to become M spec cars remained standard duotone Hundreds.

I still maintain it was a briliant marketing strategy to add the Le Mans kits to a few hundred cars to serve two purposes:
1. it helped to use up the Le Mans kits and 2. it helped to enhance sales on what was about to become a discontinued model.

Now here we are 55 years later going all ga ga on the value difference between standard Hundreds and the ones with the Le Mans mods, and even more if the mods were installed at Warwick as opposed to the next door neighbour's back yard!

Aren't we a curious species??

 

[richch]

Oh, and by the way, there is a simple way to get the right shape of the later duotone break line in the front wheel arch of the BN2's built in '56. Simply trace out the pressing from a 6 cylinder front wing contour onto paper. Then cut it out and hold the top edge up and line it up with the swage line over the vent. Now simply carry that forward until the curve kick back reaches the edge of the wheel arch opening. That's all there is to it.
Secret template indeed. Please!!!

 

[glemon]

I love the part in the Piggot book about left over Le Mans kits being sold in the 60s for as little as 35 pounds. Amazing journey these cars went on from star of the show at Earl's Court, to out of date rusty mostly unwanted sports cars in the 60s and early 70s, to six figure sellers today.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Oh, and by the way, there is a simple way to get the right shape of the later duotone break line in the front wheel arch of the BN2's built in '56. Simply trace out the pressing from a 6 cylinder front wing contour onto paper. Then cut it out and hold the top edge up and line it up with the swage line over the vent. Now simply carry that forward until the curve kick back reaches the edge of the wheel arch opening. That's all there is to it.
Secret template indeed. Please!!!

I don't have the template with me to compare against my BJ8, but looking at photos they do appear to be the same profile (not that I'd doubt Rich). The template is here:

https://www.100mregistry.com/memoribilia3.html

Still, for $20 it was worth taking the time to email a few photos to Bill Meade. Also, having the car 'registry certified' adds potential value should I ever have to sell the car (note: 'have to').

Yes, it's a 'marketing special' or 'parts bin' car but having the provenance adds considerable value to the car--monetary and aesthetically (IMO)--whether it's deserved or not.

 

[Michael Oritt]

According to notes made by the original owner in the maintenance manual my 100 was modified in 1956 with some of the LeMans kit parts (supplied by the local dealer Ship 'N Shore Motors of West Palm Beach, FL) including the larger carbs and proper manifolds, CAB, distributor with modified advance curve, flat top pistons and a few other bits I cannot recall offhand.

However he did NOT opt for the BMC cam and instead installed one supplied by Iskenderian which came in a package from Isky complete with Studebaker pushrods and Buick valves. (According to Ed Iskenderian's son this was a very popular mod back in the day.)

That cam has since been replaced by a DW fast rallye version along with an AL head and a lot of other go-fast parts including forged pistons and rods, etc. The carbs, intakes and CAB are still there but the distributor has been replaced by a Mallory Unilite.

So my questions to the forum are:

1. Was my 100 transformed into a dealer-modified LeMans and, if so
2. Is it still one?
3. Should I care?

A sticky wicket, this....