Austin-Healey 100S

In the 1950s motor sport played a significant factor in most companies marketing strategies and Austin Healey was no exception. Following early competition successes and some impressive record-breaking events, a special sports version of the Austin Healey 100 appeared known simply as the 100S.

Only a limited batch of the new 100S would be built (just 50 cars) and customers could specify all sorts of modifications if required. "Standard" equipment for the 100S included an alloy cylinder head, disc brakes and four speed overdrive transmission. The revised head helped boost overall power to 132bhp, an impressive leap from the standard cars 90bhp.

The 100S also featured alloy body panels and a larger (20 gallon) fuel tank. Bumpers, windscreen and hood were deleted to save weight and most cars came in an attractive two-tone paint scheme.