Auto Culture SocietyCar Model Index / Your home of car data

Austin Healey · 1956–1959

Austin-Healey 100-6

Austin-Healey 100-6
Photo: Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone) · Public domain · source ↗

The Austin-Healey 100-6 is a two-seat roadster that was announced in late September 1956 and produced from 1956 until 1959. A replacement for the Austin-Healey 100, it was followed by the Austin-Healey 3000; together, the three models have become known as the Big Healeys. The 100-6 featured a 2 in (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase than the 100, a more powerful straight-six engine in place of its slightly larger inline-four, and added two occasional seats (which later became optional). The body lines were slightly streamlined, a smaller, wider radiator grille placed lower, an air scoop was added to the bonnet, and the windscreen fixed. The 100-6 was produced in two model designators, the 2+2 BN4 from 1956 onwards and the 2-seat BN6 in 1958–9. The cars used a tuned version of the BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to the Austin Westminster, initially producing 102 bhp (76 kW) and increased in 1957 to 117 bhp (87 kW) by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head. The previously standard overdrive unit was made optional. In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon. 14,436 100-6s were produced before production ended in 1959. A 117 bhp (87 kW) BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of 103.9 mph (167.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.8 miles per imperial gallon (13.6 L/100 km; 17.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1307 including taxes of £436.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Austin Healey 100-6 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Specifications

name
Austin-Healey 100-6
Manufacturer
Austin-Healey (BMC)
Production
1956–1959
Wheelbase
92 in
Length
157.5 in
Width
60 in
Height
50 in
Predecessor
Austin-Healey 100
Successor
Austin-Healey 3000
Assembly
United Kingdom: Abingdon, England, United Kingdom: Longbridge, England (Longbridge plant)
Engine
2639 cc C-Series I6
Top speed
167 km/h

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

Sources