Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1958 Austin Healey 100/ 6 BN6
Estimate
£34, 000 - £38, 000
Registration No: 847 CXK
Chassis No: BN6/ 2341
MOT: Exempt
Desirable two-seater 'BN6' model
Subject to a comprehensive body-off overhaul in 1990's which has survived remarkably well
Recently undergone a caburettor rebuild by Leighton Buzzard specialists 'Carburetter Exchange' in preparation for sale
Maintained very well since restoration which a large history file detailing expenditure
"After a really gruelling road test, I can say that this new sports model is ideal for Continental touring. It also stood up to lap after lap of the Nürburgring at racing speeds, without complaint, and that must be equivalent to a vast mileage under more humane conditions. Finally, it has the kind of appearance that will make many prospective purchasers reach for their cheque books." – John Bolster on the Austin-Healey 100/ 6, Autosport, 12th October 1956.
Introduced in 1956, the 100/ 6 represented the most radical step forward in the Big Healey's development. Despite its initial success, sales of the original Austin-Healey 100 had begun to decline by the mid-1950s and so the model was revamped as the '100/ 6', BMC's 2. 6-litre C-series six replacing the original four-cylinder Austin Atlantic engine. At the same time, the wheelbase was lengthened from 7' 6" to 7' 8", which enabled the inclusion of two occasional seats in the rear of the BN4 variant. In 100-6 tune the pushrod six produced 102bhp - 12bhp more than its predecessor - though the inevitable weight gain meant that there was little if any improvement in performance, the car's top speed remaining at 103mph or thereabouts. Although stylistically very similar to the preceding 100, the 100/ 6 was nevertheless easily distinguishable by its 'crinkle' radiator grille and bonnet-top air intake. In 1957 an improved six-port engine became available, and this 117bhp unit was fitted to all the newly introduced BN6 two-seater roadsters. The top speed improved to 111mph and 1. 7 seconds were cut from the 0-60mph time.
According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, chassis BN6/ 2341 was initially despatched to the Austin showroom on Oxford Street, London on the 29th of July 1958 before being redistributed to Mann Egerton of Norwich and was specified with the desirable options of wire wheels and overdrive. The first owner was Mr J. A. Boyden of Knightsbridge, London who took delivery on New Years Eve, 1958.
Little is known about Mr Boyden’s ownership, or subsequent ownership until 1991, when the car is understood to have been owned by Mr A Wilkinson. It is understood that the ‘Big Healey’ was at this point in dire need of restoration, and the first record is for an estimate from Automotive Engineering and Refurbishment Ltd of Brierly Hill on the 10th October 1991. Unfortunately, Mr Wilkinson’s declining health meant a change of plans and in 1993, whilst the car was still in restoration, the car was sold to Mr M. Workman and by 1995, the car was registered on what is believed to be its original registration number, ‘847 CXK’, MOT’d and back on the road. For some reason by 1996 a legal dispute had started regarding the restoration, which is documented in the history file. However, the two-seater was by now completed having been subject to a comprehensive body-off overhaul and repainted in Red over Ivory white. The Workman family would keep ‘847 CXK’ until 2020, when the car was sold to the previous owner, who completed several works to the mechanical components of the car for which there is a stack of invoices from AH Spares.
The vendor acquired ‘847 CXK’ in 2023, with the intent of the car complimenting his two-plus-two 100/ 6 and has used the car sparingly whilst improving it with a recent Carburettor rebuild by Carburetter Exchange, Leighton Buzzard, new rear shock absorbers and a thorough service to improve running.
Upon inspection, we noted that this fine-looking motor car appears very presentable, and the vendor notes that the paintwork and bodywork are still ‘very good’ given that the restoration is now just under 30 years old. The vendor also notes that the red vinyl interior is in ‘very good’ fettle too and has evidently been subject to a major re-trim in the past. Furthermore, mechanically the Healey is said to also be ‘very good’ and has evidently been very well looked after by its owners since the restoration.
