Austin-Healey 100-6
| Austin-Healey 100-6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1956-1959 14,436 produced[1] |
| Assembly | Abingdon, England Longbridge, England |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2639 cc C-Series I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm)[2] |
| Length | 157.5 in (4,000 mm)[2] |
| Width | 60 in (1,524 mm)[2] |
| Height | 50 in (1,270 mm)[3] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Austin-Healey 100 |
| Successor | Austin-Healey 3000 |
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.[1] 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.[1]
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.[3]
References
- Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9.
- ^ a b c Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge Books. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c Culshaw (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "The Austin-Healey 100-Six Two-seater". The Motor. April 8, 1959.
External links
- Austin Memories—History of Austin and Longbridge
- Volunteer register with records and photos of the 100