Austin-Healey 100-6


The Austin-Healey 100-6 is a two-seat roadster that was announced in late September 1956 and produced from 1956 to 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.
The 100-6 featured a longer wheelbase than the 100, a more powerful straight-six engine in place of its slightly larger inline-four, and added two occasional seats. 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 and increased in 1957 to by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head. The previously standard overdrive unit was made optional.
In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon. 14,436 100-6s were produced before production ended in 1959.
A BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of and could accelerate from 0- in 10.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of was recorded. The test car cost £1307 including taxes of £436.