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 | |
| Manufacturer | Austin-Healey (BMC) |
| Production | 1956–1959 |
| Assembly | Abingdon, England Longbridge, England |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2639 cc C-Series I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm)[1] |
| Length | 157.5 in (4,000 mm)[1] |
| Width | 60 in (1,524 mm)[1] |
| Height | 50 in (1,270 mm)[2] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Austin-Healey 100 |
| Successor | Austin-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
edit- Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9.
- ^ a b c Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- ^ a b "The Austin-Healey 100-Six Two-seater". The Motor. 8 April 1959.
- ^ "New Austin-Healey Sports Car". The Times. No. 53648. 28 September 1956. p. 5.
- ^ a b c Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge Books. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
External links
edit
- Austin Memories—History of Austin and Longbridge
- Volunteer register with records and photos of the 100