1958→1959 Austin-Healey 100-Six BN6
Later in 100-Six production, a BN6 variant of the 100-6 was introduced in March 1958 as a 2-seat roadster. This was more inline with the original 100-4’s concept and it outsold the BN4.
In 1957 a new cast-aluminum 6-port intake manifold was introduced to the model. With larger valves, and a higher compression power was raised from 101 to 117 bhp. It also increased the price from £762 to £817.
Roy Salvadori said “the new 6-port induction system gives her an impressive increase in punch, particularly in top from 50 to 80 mph….the Austin-Healey always had plenty of dig but now its outstanding…”
In Detail
| tags | 3000, 100/6, six |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1958 – 1959 |
| built at | Abington, England |
| price £/td> | £817 |
| engine | Series C Straight-6 |
| valvetrain | OHV 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 2639 cc / 161.04 in³ |
| bore | 79.4 mm / 3.125 in |
| stroke | 88.9 mm / 3.5 in |
| compression | 8.7:1 |
| power | 87.2 kw / 117 bhp @ 4700 rpm |
| specific output | 44.33 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 106.17 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 192.5 nm / 142 ft lbs @ 2400 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Frame |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 5.9-10 |
| rear tires | 5.9-10 |
| front brakes | Discs |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| curb weight | 1102 kg / 2429 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2337 mm / 92.0 in |
| front track | 1328 mm / 52.3 in |
| rear track | 1270 mm / 50.0 in |
| length | 4001 mm / 157.5 in |
| width | 1537 mm / 60.5 in |
| height | 1270 mm / 50.0 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual w/Overdrive |
| gear ratios | 2.93:1, 2.05:1, 1.31:1, 1.00:1 |
| top speed | ~185.1 kph / 115.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~10.7 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~36.0 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6L/3814 –
This BN6 two-seater was imported from Arkansas, USA in 1990 and then converted to right-hand drive. Its first owner in the UK was a Mr Brian O’Connell (see purchase invoice on file). The current vendor purchased the car in 2001 and carried out a full restoration to a very high standard during 2004/2005. This ‘last nut and bolt’ restoration included an engine rebuild (cylinders re-bored, crankshaft re-ground, new pistons, crankshaft and flywheel balanced, pro/race damper fitted, etc); oil cooler fitted; disc brakes serviced; brake servo fitted; gearbox overhauled and overdrive fitted together with a new clutch; new all leather upholstery; new high grade bespoke carpets; bespoke mohair hood and tonneau cover; four new 60-spoke chromed wire wheels; and a stainless steel exhaust.
Auction Source: 2011 Goodwood Revival Sale by Bonhams
