AUSTIN HEALEY - 100/6 - Convertible

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

The 1957 Austin-Healey 100-6 sits at a pivotal moment in British sports-car history—a bridge between the raw, minimalist roadsters of the early 1950s and the more refined grand tourers that followed.

Origins: From Donald Healey to Austin

The story begins with Donald Healey, an accomplished engineer, rally driver, and car designer. In 1952, his small company unveiled the Healey 100 at the London Motor Show. The car was light, powerful, and elegant—but Healey lacked the manufacturing capacity to build it at scale.

Enter Austin (part of the British Motor Corporation, BMC). Austin saw the car’s potential, struck a deal with Healey, and the Austin-Healey brand was born. Production moved to Austin’s factory in Longbridge, and the original model became the Austin-Healey 100.


Why the 100-6 Was Created

By the mid-1950s, the sports-car market—especially in the United States—was changing:

Buyers wanted more comfort

Many wanted rear seats, even if small

Competition from Jaguar, Triumph, and MG was increasing

To respond, BMC and Healey redesigned the car rather than replace it outright.


The 1957 Austin-Healey 100-6 (BN4)

Introduced in 1956 and refined for 1957, the 100-6 marked several important firsts:

Mechanical Changes

Replaced the original 4-cylinder engine with a 2.6-liter inline-six (from the Austin Westminster)

Produced about 102 hp initially (later increased)

Smoother and quieter than the old engine, though slightly heavier

Retained rear-wheel drive and a 4-speed manual gearbox (overdrive optional)

Design & Layout

Still visually recognizable as a “100,” but subtly longer

Introduced a 2+2 seating layout (small rear seats)

Slightly softer suspension tuning for touring comfort

More interior trim and weather protection

Despite the added weight and refinement, the car could still reach 100 mph, preserving the spirit behind the original Healey name.



Motorsport & Reputation

The 100-6 continued Austin-Healey’s strong motorsport presence:

Campaigned successfully in endurance racing, including Le Mans

Proven reliable in rallies and long-distance events

Valued more for durability and torque than outright speed

While some purists missed the raw edge of the original 100, the 100-6 earned respect as a true dual-purpose sports tourer.



Bridge to the 3000

The 100-6 directly paved the way for the legendary Austin-Healey 3000, introduced in 1959:

Same basic chassis

Enlarged six-cylinder engine

More power, better brakes, and further refinement

In hindsight, the 100-6 is the transitional model—the point where Austin-Healey evolved from a minimalist roadster into a full-blooded grand touring sports car.



Legacy Today

Today, the 1957 Austin-Healey 100-6 is appreciated for:

Its classic long-hood, low-slung British design

The smooth character of the six-cylinder engine

Historical importance in the Healey lineage

Usability for touring compared to earlier models

Collectors often view it as underrated, but enthusiasts value it as one of the most balanced Healey's ever built.

This 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 ‘Fast Road’, chassis BN4-O/50912, rolled out of the factory on 17 October 1957 and was first registered on 1 February 1958 in Morayshire, Scotland. It retains its original sales records and is accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming its production details.

Originally fitted with a 2.6-litre inline-six engine, this example has been bored out and uprated with 3-litre pistons, resulting in increased torque and improved flexibility across the rev range. Additional mechanical upgrades include a Denis Welch camshaft, triple HD8 carburettors, high-flow twin SU air filters, and revised manifolds. The combination delivers a stronger, more responsive performance in a fast road specification, well suited to touring rallies and long-distance events.

Prepared to a road rally specification with an emphasis on mechanical reliability and usability, the car is eligible for recognised historic competitions including the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo Rally, Modena Cento Ore, and the HRCR road rally series. FIVA papers are in process and can be completed for the new owner.

The exterior appearance has been carefully developed to evoke the look of a factory works car. It features works-style radiator ducting and wing vents as per the 1959 factory specification, along with a polished chrome grille that complements the clean, purposeful lines of the bodywork.

Chassis number BN4-O/50912 and body number 6531 match the heritage documentation, confirming the authenticity of this example. The interior has been configured to balance period presentation with practical details to support regular use.

This Austin-Healey represents an opportunity to acquire a well-documented car with clear provenance and thoughtfully executed mechanical improvements. The upgrades have been carried out to enhance performance and reliability without compromising the car’s original character.

It is registered in the UK as DSO 920 and is offered with its BMIHT certificate, original factory records, and documentation relating to the engine build and carburettor work.

The car is available for inspection by appointment and can be supplied with additional compliance papers to support historic competition entry.