2007-08-08 20:32:55 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/07
www.christies.com/LotFinder/lfsearch_coa/LotDescription.aspx

Auction description:
Exceptional Motor Cars At The Monterey Jet Center
Location Monterey, Jet Center Sale Date Aug 16, 2007
Lot Number 0063 Sale Number 1864
Lot Title 1955 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100M 'LE MANS' ROADSTER
Estimate 45,000 - 65,000 U.S. dollars
Lot Description 1955
Chassis No. BNIL/225762
Engine No. IB225762M

Black with white coves with red interior

The history of this 100M dates back to the Matthews Collection in Denver, Colorado where it had been kept amongst a stable of likewise fine British sports cars and was listed as a member of the Le Mans registry. It was in the fall of 2001 when the now current owner traveled to Pueblo, Colorado to watch a friend race an Austin Mini at the local track. With racing successful completed the pair set out for the Matthews Collection where they were to purchase a Jaguar E-Type and then proceed to a cabin in Estes Park for a post-race party. At the Matthews Collection the owner saw the 100M for sale and purchased it as quickly as possible before the Matthews decided not to sell. The pair, ever so content with their purchases, proceeded to race to the cabin in the mountains high above Denver. The long weekend evolved into a week of driving through the valleys, along streams and as illustrated here on one of the highest roads in North America. The Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park crosses the Continental Divide and affords, clearly some of the most stunning views of the Rockies.

After what was no doubt a memorable trip, the 100M settled into its ownership where it received routine maintenance, such as oil changes, belt tightening and spirited use. Recently the owner recounted an evening where a friend had organized a themed Roman Holiday party to benefit the Audrey Hepburn Children's Hospital which was to several vintage cars grace the entrance. Unfortunately, several of the cars committed dropped out at last minute, and ever ready to help, the owner volunteered his 100M. As fate would have it, Ms. Hepburn's son Sean Ferrer attended with his date the actress Jennifer Love Hewitt who (had portrayed his mother in the 2000 movie The Audrey Hepburn Story) immediately fell in love with the 100M. It was at this point when the owner found Ms. Hewitt sitting in the car posing for pictures. While pleased to see such a lovely woman in the car, not knowing who she was, the owner politely asked to 'get out' of his car - much to the horror of his daughter. Christie's is pleased to offer this 100M for sale and recommends a close inspection of this spirited and well exercised British great. Set in handsome colors with the proper upgrades it would seem this car is poised to continue its touring and social life.

2011-08-01 07:50:50 | pauls writes:

Car to return to auction 8/11

www.goodingco.com/car/tbd-1

Auction description:

Lot 41

2011 | Pebble Beach Auctions 2011

1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 "Le Mans"

CHASSIS NO. BN1L/225762

ENGINE NO. 1B225762M

$90,000 - $120,000

Without Reserve

This beautifully prepared 100/4 shows the result of a thoughtful and finely detailed restoration. Correct finishes and well-prepared mechanical components beautifully complement the many coats of hand-polished paint. Furthermore, the car is outfitted with the Le Mans upgrades enhancing its performance.

The present owner purchased this Austin-Healey four years ago as an addition to his large collection of sports and racing cars. Prior to the consignor's ownership, the 100/4 spent several years in the hands of the well-known Harry Mathews collection of Colorado where it was used on high-altitude traverses of the Continental Divide.

This lovely Austin-Healey is accompanied by a Heritage Trust Certificate, a tonneau cover, a matching red soft top, side curtains and a set of tools and manuals. With their dramatically sloping windshields, aluminum encircled interior space and voluptuous curves, the early 100/4s are among the most beautiful sports cars of the 1950s. The car presented here is a great example of Donald Healey's timeless sports car design, finished in perhaps the best color combination of the period. It is included in the 100M registry as an upgraded 100/4 model. The performance upgrades and early build date make it a formidable and eligible entry on various tours and rallies around the world.