Austin-Healey at centre of 1955 Le Mans disaster sells for $1.3million

The 1953 Austin-Healey 100 Special Test racing car involved in the worst crash in motor sport history sold for a record-breaking £843,000 ($1,341,000) at a Bonhams auction last week.

“This is a fantastic result for the Austin-Healey and a world record for any car of this make at auction,” a spokeswoman for the Bonhams auction house said.

The disaster at the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1955 saw 84 people killed after the Austin-Healey was clipped by a Mercedes, which then flew into the crowd.

The car, which also competed in the 1953 24-hour race, was impounded by French authorities after the accident before being released back to the Donald Healey Motor Company 18 months later. It was then repaired and restored before being bought by last Thursday’s seller for £155 in 1969.

The car remained unrestored in the owner’s barn in the north of England for 42 years until it was brought to auction.

Images: DailyMail.co.uk