Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6

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Launched in 1956 to replace the four-cylinder 100/4, the Austin-Healey 100/6 looked virtually identical to the outgoing model but had an air-scoop at the front of the bonnet to cool the more refined straight-six that nestled underneath, a specially tuned version of the BMC C-Series unit also used in the Austin Westminster saloon.

Some 2-inches longer in the wheelbase, it also had a wider, shallower radiator grille and a fixed windscreen (the 100/4 having a fold-flat ‘screen). The new engine increased power to 117bhp giving the 100/6 a top speed of 111mph and a 0-60 time of 10.7 seconds when tested by The Motor. At first only available as a 2+2 (BN4), a two-seat (BN6) was also available from 1958.

Initially built in Longbridge, production shifted to Abingdon at the start of 1959, coming to an end in March of that year when the new Healey 3000 was launched. Some 14,436 100/6 models were sold in total, the vast majority being left-hand drive cars destined for export, mainly to America.

This stunning left-hand drive 1959 BN6 two-seater was treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration in America in the late 1990s. For the next two decades it was very little used, being mainly kept as a display item in a private collection belonging to a gentleman in Oklahoma. Although the bills for the restoration are no longer with the car, just an album of photos, the results speak for themselves and the high quality of the workmanship is not in doubt.

During the restoration the car was upgraded with front disc brakes in place of the standard drums, a useful modification as the vendor, who has owned these cars in the past, believes that the engine may also have been uprated as it seems to be considerably faster than any 100/6 he has previously experienced. He also praises the ride quality and general solidity of the car, noting that it drives superbly with no clonks, rattles or other untoward noises, the car flying through its MOT in September this year with no advisories recorded.

Supplied with a full set of weather gear including hood, side screens and tonneau cover, all in ‘as new’ condition, it also comes with an original owner's handbook and sales brochure, collector's items in their own right. Recently Imported to the UK with all duties paid, it has a current V5C and bears the UK registration 420 UYN.

Said to be as good underneath as it is up top, it is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away and could easily be converted to RHD if desired using a kit readily available from one of the many specialists who cater for this model.

As good an example as we have ever offered, it is being offered here at a fraction of the cost it would require to get a typically rusted-out UK model to this standard.