Austin-Healey 100-6

The Austin-Healey 100-6 is a two-seat roadster that was announced in late September 1956[3] and produced from 1956 until 1959. A replacement for the Austin-Healey 100, it was followed by the Austin-Healey 3000; together, the three models have become known as the Big Healeys.

Austin-Healey 100-6
Overview
ManufacturerAustin-Healey (BMC)
Production1956-1959
AssemblyAbingdon, England
Longbridge, England
Powertrain
Engine2639 cc C-Series I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase92 in (2,337 mm)[1]
Length157.5 in (4,000 mm)[1]
Width60 in (1,524 mm)[1]
Height50 in (1,270 mm)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAustin-Healey 100
SuccessorAustin-Healey 3000

The 100-6 featured a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase than the 100, a more powerful straight-six engine in place of its slightly larger inline-four, and added two occasional seats (which later became optional). The body lines were slightly streamlined, a smaller, wider radiator grille placed lower, an air scoop was added to the bonnet, and the windscreen fixed.

The 100-6 was produced in two model designators, the 2+2 BN4 from 1956 onwards and the 2-seat BN6 in 1958–9.

The cars used a tuned version of the BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to the Austin Westminster, initially producing 102 bhp (76 kW) and increased in 1957 to 117 bhp (87 kW) by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head.[4] The previously standard overdrive unit was made optional.

In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon.[4] 14,436 100-6s were produced before production ended in 1959.[4]

A 117 bhp (87 kW) BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of 103.9 mph (167.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.8 miles per imperial gallon (13.6 L/100 km; 17.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1307 including taxes of £436.[2]

References
  • Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9.
  1. Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
  2. "The Austin-Healey 100-Six Two-seater". The Motor. 8 April 1959.
  3. "New Austin-Healey Sports Car". The Times. No. 53648. 28 September 1956. p. 5.
  4. Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge Books. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
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