Meet the Austin-Healey 100 S Prototype, the competition car that entered the legendary 1955 Le Mans 24 Hour Grand Prix D’endurance race in Lance Macklin’s name and survived a crash that practically changed the entire course of International motor racing history. Macklin escaped without physical injury, but the enormity of the incident triggered several significant changes in the course of motor racing development.

After remaining in the ownership of a single individual for 42 years the sports car was auctioned on Dec 1 this year, in unrestored barn find condition, for a final bid of £843,000, or over $1.3 million.Within the ‘up-to-3-litre Sports Car’ class the car during its best years was rated equal to classics such as 3-, 3.4- 4.5- and 4.9-litre sports-prototypes from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Maserati and Lancia.

The vehicle still retains the original engine and as the unique double –Le Mans car it holds a special place in racing history. Today, a revived Austin-Healey 100S provides an entry ticket to historic motor sport events of the likes of  the Goodwood Revival, Mille Miglia Retro, Le Mans Classic and Carrera PanAmericana. So, here’s hoping we soon get to see the car restored to its 1955 Le Mans start-line condition, in fabulous British Racing Green, race no. 26.

via autoblog