Close window
Print details

Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4

Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4
Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4
Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4
Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4
Lot number 120
Hammer value £25,300
Description Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4
Registration 341 UYL
Year 1957
Colour Blue/White
Engine size 2,639 cc
Chassis No. BN4-L/53095
Engine No. 26D-RU-53095
Documents V5C; restoration bills and photos; Heritage Certificate

Launched at the 1952 London Motor Show, the Healey 100 sports car was developed by Donald Healey and was based on the mechanicals of the Austin A90 Atlantic.

The design so impressed Leonard Lord, managing director of Austin, that a deal was struck with Healey to build it in quantity at Austin's Longbridge factory. The first 100s (series BN1) were equipped with the same 90bhp 2,660cc four-cylinder engines as the stock A90, but the gearbox was modified to a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. From mid-1955 these were replaced by the BN2 model, now with a four-speed overdrive gearbox, slightly larger front wheel arches, a different rear axle and optional two-tone paint.

In 1956 came the last development of the 100 range, the 100/6. This came in either two-seat (BN6) or 2+2 (BN4) format and was powered by a tuned version of the six-cylinder BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to the Austin Westminster and producing 117bhp. The wheelbase was increased by 2-inches and an air scoop built in to the bonnet. As tested by The Motor in 1959, a 100/6 had a top speed of 104mph and could reach 60mph in 10.7 seconds. It was replaced by the Healey 3000 in 1959.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this 100/6 BN4 four-seater was built in late November 1957 and shipped straight out to San Francisco with a specification which included overdrive, a laminated windscreen, wire wheels, a heater and an MPH speedometer.

Little is known of the subsequent history of the car but it was imported back to the UK from California by the vendor in June 2014. A professional motor mechanic, he set about a ground-up restoration of the car which was to take over a year to complete, the whole process documented on many invoices and photographs in the history file.

The full extent of the work carried out is too detailed to list in full here but highlights include: conversion to RHD; chassis shot blasted, repaired and painted; new floors, outriggers and bulkhead panels; new wiring loom and fuse box; new brake, steering and suspension components as required; new engine and gearbox mountings; new fuel tank, lines and sender; spin-off oil filter conversion; interior retrim; new tyres; new windscreen etc.

On inspection it was discovered that the engine had a cracked block so a replacement of the correct type was sourced which had covered a warranted 51,000 miles. The gearbox and overdrive unit were rebuilt by specialist Eric Mobley at a cost of £1,335. A battery cut-off switch has been discreetly installed as a safety and anti-theft measure. The hood frame is present but there is no hood with the car although a spare wheel is housed in the boot.

Now in very good order throughout, the car is said to drive well following a 300-mile shake-down period and certainly flew along and sounded great as we chased it down the lanes on the occasion of our visit to take these photos. MOT exempt, on the button and ready to go, it is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away.

Please note that the V5C for this vehicle erroneously quotes the car number (40926321) instead of the chassis number, something which can be sorted out with DVLA by the new keeper if desired.

Close window
Print details