Vehicle Description
The Austin Healey 100 of 1952 was the first of several iconic
machines born of a fruitful relationship between
engineer/entrepreneur Donald Healey and the Chairman of Austin,
Leonard Lord. Austin was looking to save face after the failed A90
Atlantic failed to make a splash in the USA, and Donald Healey was
running out of Riley engines for his low-production sports cars and
saloons. The timing of the Austin Healey's arrival couldn't have
been better, as the American market was rapidly developing an
insatiable appetite for sports cars. The MG T-series was affordable
but rudimentary, while the Jaguar XK120 was fast, exotic, and
expensive. Buyers who wanted more performance than an MG offered
but couldn't stretch to the Jaguar found the Austin Healey 100 to
be the ideal fit. With their beautiful, quick, and practical 100,
Healey and Lord had a hit in the making. In the quest for more
power, the 100-6 superseded the four-cylinder 100 in 1956, thanks
to engineers shoehorning in BMC's 2.6-litre C-Series inline-six
borrowed from the full-size Austin Westminster saloon. The 100-6
retained the bare-bones, all-business character that endeared so
many buyers to the 100-4, but it now had a substantial boost in
horsepower and torque, affording the "Big Healey" the ability to
nip at the heels of a Jaguar XK. The 100-6 remained in production
until 1959, when the series was renamed '3000', denoting the bump
in displacement to a full three litres. This 1959 100-6 roadster is
a prime example of the Big Healey at its best. This two-seat BN6 is
offered in its original colors of red over black body sides and
features desirable factory options, including wire wheels, heater,
and Laycock overdrive. It is the subject of a well-detailed
restoration that has been nicely maintained through the years and
presents in excellent order throughout, with attractive paintwork
and detailing. The body is crisp and defined with consistent panel
fit, and details like the chrome wire wheels and large Lucas
driving lamps give it a purposeful yet period-correct look. The
cockpit has been restored to an equally high standard, with black
leather bucket seats accented in red piping. The seats are in fine
order, with taut, supple leather displaying an appealing character
from light use. Black carpets are tidy and properly fitted, and
period-correct Austin-Healey molded-rubber floor mats protect the
rugs. Smiths instruments and Lucas switchgear are accurate to
original specs, and the classic three-spoke banjo wheel is wrapped
in leather. Additional details include the correct vinyl spare
wheel cover behind the seats, an authentic vinyl top, and a set of
side curtains in a matching protective bag. Per the British Motor
Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this 100-6 retains its
original, numbers matching engine. The 2.6-litre inline-six is
finished in the signature Healey green and detailed to factory
standards with proper hose clamps, wiring loom, and hardware. A few
minor blemishes on the engine reflect the car's drivable,
road-ready nature. With the perfect balance of style and grunt, the
Austin Healey 100-6 is quite possibly the quintessential British
roadster, a svelte and sexy two-seater with gutsy, blue-collar
horsepower. This well-sorted and appealing example is sure to
delight its next custodian, as it is well suited to various uses,
from casual shows to weekend touring adventures. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6997-1959-austin-healey-100-6/