Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6

Following on from the successful Austin-Healey 100/4, the second landmark model from this relatively new marque arrived in 1956, the 100/6. 

The 100/6 used a tuned version of the new BMC ‘C-series’ straight-six engine in 2,639cc form. Producing 117bhp and driving through a 4-speed gearbox with optional overdrive it could sprint to 60mph in just 10.7 seconds with a top speed of 111mph. At first it was only available as a 2+2 (BN4) but in 1958 a traditional 2-seater version arrived (BN6) and used the six-port head that had been introduced in 1957.

In 1959 the new 3000 model arrived and production of the 100/6 in all variants ceased with 15,444 produced in total of which just 4,283 were BN6 2-seaters. Of these only 133 were produced in right-hand drive which makes this car an extremely rare beast indeed.

A letter from the Austin-Healey Club dated 1993 states that this car was manufactured in 1958 and was originally Dark Green with a green interior and an overdrive gearbox. It also gives details of the first few UK owners before the car was exported to America in the mid-1970s where it was to remain for the next 20 years.

The current vendor imported the car from Jacksonville, Florida, in June 1993. Still in its original right-hand drive it was in very good condition throughout (as shown in a photo album in the history file) but had been painted white during its time in America.

The owner decided to return it to its original Dark Green and also had the seats retrimmed in white leather with matching door trims and new green carpets. Many other trim parts were also renewed including new door rubbers, pedal rubbers and new dashboard trim etc. A new set of painted wire wheels were also fitted with new chrome spinners and new tyres. While not new, the tonneau, side screens and hood are said to be in good condition. The engine and running gear was also overhauled as necessary and a new straight-through exhaust system fitted.

Kept as part of a collection of some 20 classic cars, the Healey has only covered around 500 miles in the current 20-year ownership and is said to remain in very good condition throughout and to drive beautifully. It certainly fired up promptly and ran very nicely as we manoeuvred it to take these pictures.

Supplied with a rare hardtop, the car also comes with a fair amount of history including the original buff log book and a V5C. We have not been able to establish how many of the 133 right-hand drive BN6 cars still survive but it can only be a small proportion of them so this is undoubtedly a very rare machine. A matching numbers example that is still fitted with its original engine and overdrive gearbox plus a hardtop, it is sure to be of interest to any serious collector. 

AMENDMENT: The hardop is not a factory item as stated in the printed catalogue and the tonneau and sidescreens are not new. Amended estimate.