1959 Austin-Healey '100 Six’

Description

The Austin-Healey ‘100 Six,’ unveiled in late September 1956, emerged as a successor to the iconic Austin-Healey 100. Distinguishing itself with a wheelbase lengthened by two inches compared to the 100, the ‘100 Six’ boasted a more potent straight-six engine, replacing the previous inline-four. The body underwent subtle streamlining, featuring a lower, wider radiator grille, an added air scoop on the bonnet, and a fixed windshield. Production encompassed two model designations: the 2+2 BN4 from 1956 onwards and the two-seat BN6 from 1958 to 1959. Equipped with a tuned BMC C-Series engine, initially generating 102 horsepower and later increasing to 117 horsepower in 1957 through enhancements to the manifold and cylinder head, the 100-6 showcased remarkable performance. As tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 of a 117 horsepower BN6 revealed a top speed of 103.9 miles per hour and acceleration from zero to 60 in 10.7 seconds, underscoring the model's blend of power and agility.

Highlights 

• Single-family owned for the past 44 years 

• Restored by the current owner and his father in the early 1980s 

• Finished in Old English White with a Black leather interior 

• Powered by a 2,639 cc “C-Series” inline-six rated at 117 horsepower 

• Car number 258 out of a total production run of 4,150 BN6 models produced in 1958 and 1959 

• Four-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive 

• Black folding soft top 

• Recently serviced in 2020 with a mechanical tune-up performed 

• A set of new tubes and Vredestein Sprint Classic tires were installed in 2020 

• Accompanied by service records and receipts dating back to 1980 

Features 

• Bucket seats 

• Floor-mounted gear selector 

• Smiths heater and demister 

• 15 inch painted wire spoke "knock off" wheels 

• Removable side windows with sliding glass 

• Bumper over riders 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Electric wipers 

• Fully carpeted interior 

• Independent front suspension 

• 12-volt electrical system 

• Girling hydraulic drum brakes 

• Padded armrest between the seats 

Known Imperfections 

• Imperfections pictured on the chrome 

• Mark in the passenger seat back 

• The rubber gaskets on the removable side curtains are brittle and should be replaced before use 

• A few minor paint chips around the door jam and one on the front driver's side wheel well 

Included 

• Full-size spare wheel 

• Documents 

• Removable side windows with sliding glass 

• Cotton indoor car cover 

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1959 Austin-Healey ‘100 Six’ reports that his father purchased the car on 3 February 1980 and completed a frame-up restoration shortly afterwards.