In 1955 the Donald Healey Motor Co. decided to build a competition version of the 100 known as the 100S. These came after a series of Special Test Cars that experimented with the final design which finally appeared at the 1955 Sebring 12 Hours.

Changes from the standard model included a new Weslake alloy cylinder head with larger valves, a high-lift camshaft, nitride-hardened steel crankshaft and forged-steel connecting rods which helped the model achieve 132 bhp.

The 100S was also one of the first cars to be equipped with the Dunlop disc brakes.

Additional features included a 20-gallon fuel tank, a stonger chassis and Lucas Le Mans 24 Hour headlights.

Externally the 100S was distinguished by its smaller front grill, external fuel filler, louvered hood and perspex front window.

On track the Healey achieved some remarkable results. Stirling Moss and Lance Macklin placed 6th at the 1955 Sebring 12-Hours which was the model’s debuting race. Later the car would appear at all the famous races including the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1955 Carrera Panamericana, 1955 Nassau Speed Weeks and Mille Miglia.

Feature Car AHS3804

Our feature car is a very special Healey that began life as a works competition test car known as SPL224B. In its original configuration it raced the 1953 Mille Miglia, 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1953 Goodwood 9 Hours, 1954 Mille Miglia, 1954 Sebring 12 Hours, 1954 Tour de France and 1954 Alpine rally.

In late 1954, the car was converted with 100S bodywork and acquired the license OON440 from the Carrera Panamercana car. Painted red it raced in the 1955 Mille Miglia as number 700. After the race it was shipped to Ed Bussey who was the car’s intended owner. He raced it twice more at the 1956 and 1957 Sebring races as well as a few SCCA races.

By 1961 it was acquired by Bobby Berger of Dallas, Texas who carefully had it stored for 39 years. The result is that the famous Mille Miglia 100S was remarkably preserved. Within the chips of paint there are three coats of red which reveal works Healey green as the original top coat.

Auction Sales History

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Racing Car
built at	Longbridge, Birmingham, England
production	50
engine	A90 Inline-4
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	OHV 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed	Twin SU Carburetors
displacement	2600 cc / 158.7 in³
bore	87.3 mm / 3.44 in
stroke	110 mm / 4.33 in
power	98.4 kw / 132.0 bhp @ 4750 rpm
specific output	50.77 bhp per litre
torque	227.78 nm / 168.0 ft lbs @ 2500 rpm
body / frame	Aluminum Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Steel Wire Spoke
front tires	5.90-15
rear tires	5.90-15
front brakes	Dunlop Discs
rear brakes	Dunlop Discs
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
r suspension	Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
dry weight	908 kg / 2000 lbs
wheelbase	2286 mm / 90.0 in
front track	1286 mm / 50.6 in
rear track	1289 mm / 50.7 in
length	3759 mm / 148.0 in
width	1537 mm / 60.5 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual with Overdrive
tran clutch	Single-Plate Borg & Beck
final drive	2.92:1
top speed	~190 kph / 118.1 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.8 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~24.4 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~16.1 seconds

Auction Sales History