Description
The Austin-Healey 100/ 6 (BN4) went into production in August 1956 and was a replacement for the Austin-Healey 100/ 4 (BN1 & 2). It was followed by a BN6 variant in March 1958 which was a 2-seat roadster. The Austin-Healey 3000 (BN7) was introduced in 1959 and together the three models became known as the 'Big Healey's'. The 100/ 6 BN4 featured a 2'' longer wheelbase than the 100/ 4, a more powerful 2639cc straight-six engine and included a pair of small occasional seats in the rear. It had a smaller but wider radiator grille, an air scoop on the bonnet and the windscreen was now fixed. 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 December 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant in Abingdon and 14, 436 100/ 6's were produced before production ended in 1959 when it was replaced with the Austin Healey 3000 MK1 (BN7). A 117 bhp (87 kW) BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 and it recorded a top speed of 103. 9 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 10. 7 seconds. Overall fuel consumption of 20. 8 miles per gallon was recorded. The test car cost £1, 307 including taxes of £436. According to the BMIHT build certificate, this 'Matching Numbers' LHD Austin Healey 100-SIX Four Seater - Chassis No: BN4-LO/ 45939 and Engine No: 1C/ 45939 was built in Longbridge, Birmingham for Export on 13th August 1957 and delivered to Dusseldorf in Germany. It was ordered by a US Army officer and was taken back to the USA when he returned home. Very little is known of it life in the USA, but it was purchased from the last American owner of 31 years in Indiana, USA in October 2013 and imported into the UK in 2014. The mileage on this car at the time of export was 34, 000 and it is recorded on the Title Certificate as the actual mileage! Upon arrival in the UK it was treated to a complete 'body-off chassis' nut and bolt rebuild and there is a fully documented history of the restoration including a photograph album containing 130 photographs from start to finish. Finished in its original colour scheme of Healey Ice Blue Metallic over Old English White, the paintwork is exceptional, it has excellent panel gaps, new floors, plus additional sound deadening to improve cabin comfort levels and the whole chassis was stripped and rust treated with stone chip protection before being painted in Ice Blue. The car has its original 'Matching numbers' 2. 6 litre 6-cylinder engine and 4 speed Manual Gearbox with Overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. The engine was re-bored and given new pistons and bearings, cylinder head was skimmed and new valves fitted with hardened valve seats to run with unleaded fuel, new Clutch, new water pump, oil pump, timing chain, new Armstrong shock absorbers fitted all-round, new Drum brakes all-round with servo, new fuel tank, Electronic ignition, Electric cooling fan, Alternator conversion, New wiring loom, LED daytime running lights (double as indicators), Rear indicator and headlight upgrades, Upgraded anti-roll bar, and a fully detailed engine bay. The car also had a full Gearbox rebuild by Hardy Engineering in April 2024 and the Overdrive works perfectly. Enginuity in London also carried out various works on the car last summer including a new Brake Master Cylinder and new polyurethane Wishbone Bushes to the front suspension. The current indicated mileage of just over 5, 000 is the number of miles recorded since the car was rebuilt and if added to the 34, 000 miles recorded on the speedometer when the car was imported from the USA, it would indicate a total mileage of only 39, 000 miles from new, but rather insignificant now since the car has had a full restoration and rebuild. The car is of course cl
