The ‘100S’ is a genuine factory sports-racing car and one of the rarest and most highly sought after of all Austin-Healey models. A prototype driven by Lance Macklin and George Huntoon finished an excellent 3rd overall at the Sebring 12-Hour Race in March 1954. Only 50 production versions were made, all being completed during 1955 and all with right-hand drive. Approximately half of production were despatched to the USA with the first deliveries arriving in time for that year’s Sebring 12 Hour race. Approximately only 35 remain.
Mileage: 42,280
Immaculately restored, original matching numbers
Registered: 1955
Price: £POA
Chassis AHS 3707
Registered: April 1955
Tyre Depths > 4mm
42,280 Miles
Immaculately restored to original condition
3x Mille Miglia
This car, AHS-3707, is the seventh 100S of the third batch of ten. It was shipped on 21 April 1955 as one of six sent to Gough Industries in Los Angeles, where the popularity of sports car racing was at a fever pitch. This car, finished in the classic and model-signature combination of Old English White and Lobelia Blue, was used exactly as intended, competing in numerous races at Pomona, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Riverside, amongst other venues around Southern California and Nevada.
Although the original owner is unknown, the ownership history has been continuous since early 1959, when the car was purchased by Bob Schilling from a used car lot on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. He would race the car on and off from 1960 to 1962, until he sold the Austin-Healey to Louise Grey-Young, of North Hollywood, in 1964. It subsequently traded hands several times over the years, with other notable caretakers including well-known and highly respected car collectors Jon Savage and Craig McCaw.
The car maintains an outstanding appearance, as it was restored in the mid-1980s at a reported cost of over $200,000, with the work being finished by renowned specialist restorers (Phil) Hill & Vaughn. In fact, under its current ownership, the car has been looked after by Woolmer Classic Engineering Ltd. and Murray Scott-Nelson.
The current owner has successfully completed the Mille Miglia in AHS 3707 3 times between 2015-2017.
0-60 (in seconds)
BHP
The interior has been re-trimmed, presumably when the car was restored in the 1980s, [and] the seats now have a nice patina and retain their original foam cushions, giving them the correct shape and feel. All of the instruments and switches are to original specification and presumably original to the car, as is the steering wheel. The correct original gearbox filler cover is still fitted to the tunnel.
The car retains its original engine and a correct-specification 100S gearbox, almost certainly the original for the car. The differential has been changed for a production-specification 3.66:1 unit, which makes the car much more useable on both road and track. The brake callipers retain their original, very rare early Dunlop piston bodies with wear indicators.
Mechanically, the car is in excellent order, the engine starts readily and shows the correct oil pressure when hot, and the gearbox has a good change up and down, with synchromesh working correctly in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The four-wheel disc brakes are strong. The steering is direct, and the car drives precisely as a correct-specification 100S should.
Although it has been about 30 years since it was fully restored, this 100S maintains an outstanding appearance, including a lovely patina, which is the result of careful use and proper storage and maintenance. Within just the last few years it has also benefited from considerable attention to mechanical excellence, which included crack-testing and rebuilding all the steering, suspension, brakes, and new wheels. It was last raced at Monterey, California, in August 2012 and then shipped back to the UK, where it was subsequently serviced and thoroughly checked, with the rear axle and half shafts being rebuilt to assure outstanding mechanical condition.
Chassis AHS 3707 is a perfect candidate for any number of high-profile events around the world, as it is a race car that has been superbly adapted for road tours, and it would be a rare and welcome entrant in concours and other automobile shows. Those familiar with driving a 100S will attest to its well-balanced handling characteristics and ease of maintenance. This, combined with its classic styling, rarity, character, and performance, equals to that of cars costing several times more, making the 100S a versatile and favourite in any collection of historically significant sports racing cars.
The Austin Healey 100S is part of motor racing history. With only circa 35 cars believed to still exist, these cars very rarely ever come up for sale.
For further details on the history and to arrange a viewing, please contact us on 01924 427836 or enquire below.
