1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6 Roadster

Description

The original joint venture between Donald Healey and BMC was first unveiled in prototype form at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show, before entering production the following year as the Austin-Healey 100. Using BMC's parts bin and A90 Atlantic running gear in particular, the new sports car slotted in neatly between the cheaper MG and bigger, more expensive Jaguar XK, proving a smash hit both at home and in crucial export markets abroad, particularly the US where the vast majority were sold.
In 1956, the first six-cylinder Big Healey, the 100/6, was introduced, featuring a stretched wheelbase and sporting revised bodywork, with an oval grille styled after the 100 Sebring race model, different swage line and fixed windscreen. Two body styles were offered in the 100/6, the BN4 with occasional rear seats and from 1958, the BN6, strictly a two-seater. The engine was based on BMC's C-series six-cylinder unit, displacing 2.6-litres and developing 102 horsepower at 4,600 rpm. Production commenced in May 1956 at Longbridge before switching to Abingdon late in 1957 and later cars benefited from an improved version of the C-series engine featuring a new cylinder head with larger valves, increased compression ratio, twin SU HD6 carburettors and a power jumped to 117 bhp as a result of these changes. All BN6 Healeys featured the upgraded drivetrain and just 4,150 were built in total, making this one of the rarer Big Healey variants. With over 90 per cent sold new in the United States, original right-hand drive versions are incredibly scarce and considered highly desirable in today's marketplace. The 100/6 remained in production until replaced with the 3000 series in 1959 and the Big Healey remains popular with car enthusiasts drawn to the stylish lines; wind in the hair driving experience and charisma that first attracted buyers back in the 1950s.