Austin Healey 100-6

About the Austin Healey 100-6

The Austin-Healey 100-6 was the second of the three Austin-Healey models later known as the Big Healeys. It was introduced in 1956 to replace the Austin-Healey 100.

It featured a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase than the original Austin-Healey 100 and a six-cylinder engine replacing the slightly larger capacity four, and added two occasional seats which later became optional. The body lines were changed to a less rounded appearance, with a wider, lower radiator grille below the air scoop which was added to the bonnet, and a windscreen which was fixed and could no longer be folded down.

There were two model designators, the 2+2 BN4 produced from 1956 onwards and the 2-seat BN6 produced from 1958.

The cars used a tuned version of the BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to the Austin Westminster and which at first produced 102 bhp (76 kW) increasing to 117 bhp (87 kW) in 1957 by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head.The overdrive unit became an option rather than a standard fitting.

In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon.