| Austin-Healey 100-6 | |
| Production: | 1956–1959 |
| Manufacturer: | Austin-Healey (BMC) |
| Wheelbase: | 920NaN0[1] |
| Length: | 157.50NaN0 |
| Width: | 600NaN0 |
| Height: | 500NaN0 |
| Predecessor: | Austin-Healey 100 |
| Successor: | Austin-Healey 3000 |
| Assembly: | Abingdon, England Longbridge, England |
| Engine: | 2639 cc C-Series I6 |
The Austin-Healey 100-6 is a two-seat roadster that was announced in late September 1956[2] 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 21NaN1 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 102bhp and increased in 1957 to 117bhp by fitting a revised manifold and cylinder head.[3] The previously standard overdrive unit was made optional.
In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon.[3] 14,436 100-6s were produced before production ended in 1959.[3]
A 117bhp BN6 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of 103.9mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.8mpgimp was recorded. The test car cost £1307 including taxes of £436.[4]