Next Thursday the Austin-Healey 100 S that Lance Macklin drove in 1955 will be sold. It was involved in the terrible tragedy that befell the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year.

A cursed car? No, "it did not kill anyone," points out a Bonhams spokesperson in La Vie de l'Auto. A historic car? Undoubtedly, both for its part in history but also as a rarity in its own right. Next Thursday the Austin Healey 100 S that Lance Macklin drove in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1955 will go under the hammer. Struck from behind, the rear of the car acted as a ramp for the Mercedes of Levegh, that was then launched at about 240 km/h into the crowd causing the tragedy of the 11th of June

After the collision, the Austin-Healey came to a halt against the banking after knocking down and injuring three people. The driver was quickly extracted, miraculously unscathed. Subsequently, the #26 car, registered NOJ 393, was impounded for a long time during the investigation before being repaired by the manufacturer for which it was one of the four chassis used to test and develope the Austin Healey 100 S. The left rear was rebuilt in pressed steel, while the rest of the car was made of aluminum. It was then sold and, after passing through several hands, was acquired in 1969 by its current owner of 42 years and has remained unrestored. The owner is very much aware of its past, and has a copy of the scrutineering book of the 24 Hours of Le Mans that records, among others, its chassis number.

Its history may explain its value estimated at Bonhams at £500 000 or about 583,000 euros. The sale will take place on Thursday 1st December 2011, from 1pm at Mercedes Benz World at Weybridge in England.

Photo: CHELSEA (GREAT BRITAIN) CHELSEA LEGENDS AUTO, 4 September 2011. Chelsea Auto Legends Show this year, partly on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bonhams exhibited the Austin-Healey of Lance Macklin, that is for the sale next Thursday.