1956 – 1959 Austin-Healey 100/6 – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
The transition from four to six cylinders reshaped the character of the Big Healey in 1956. With the introduction of the Austin-Healey 100/6, performance delivery became smoother, torque increased, and the model moved closer to the grand touring segment. Produced until 1959, it bridged the gap between the original 100 and the later 3000.
Technical Details
The Austin-Healey 100/6 was developed by the British Motor Corporation in cooperation with the Donald Healey Motor Company. Introduced in 1956, it replaced the four-cylinder Austin-Healey 100 with a larger inline six-cylinder engine.
Power came from a 2,639 cc inline six-cylinder unit derived from the Austin Westminster. In early BN4 versions, output was approximately 102 bhp (SAE gross), delivered through twin SU carburetors. In 1957, improvements including a revised cylinder head and manifold design increased output to around 117 bhp. The engine drove the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, typically equipped with overdrive on higher gears.
The chassis remained a separate steel ladder frame with steel body panels mounted above. Suspension followed the established Big Healey layout: independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, and a live rear axle located by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Kerb weight was slightly higher than the earlier 100 due to the longer engine and extended wheelbase. Top speed for later 100/6 models approached 175 km/h (around 110 mph), depending on specification. The longer wheelbase also improved ride stability compared with the earlier BN1 and BN2 models.
- Manufacturer: British Motor Corporation
- Model Name: Austin-Healey 100/6
- Year of Manufacturing: 1956–1959
Design
Visually, the 100/6 retained the essential proportions of the Big Healey: long bonnet, low cockpit, and short rear deck. However, the longer wheelbase required to accommodate the six-cylinder engine subtly altered the car’s stance, giving it a slightly more elongated profile.
Early BN4 versions were offered as 2+2 roadsters, incorporating occasional rear seats. In 1958, the BN6 variant reintroduced a strict two-seater configuration, responding to enthusiasts who preferred the original layout. The wide oval grille, chrome bumpers, and flowing fenders remained key design features.
The interior evolved modestly, with revised instrumentation and improved trim materials. The dashboard typically featured a painted metal fascia with centrally mounted instruments. Wire wheels were optional, and the folding windscreen of the earlier 100 was replaced by a fixed curved windscreen, reflecting the car’s increasing emphasis on comfort and practicality.
Historical Significance
The Austin-Healey 100/6 represented a strategic step in the evolution of the Big Healey line. By adopting a six-cylinder engine, the model aligned itself more closely with competitors offering greater smoothness and refinement. The change also addressed customer expectations in key export markets, particularly the United States.
During its production run from 1956 to 1959, the 100/6 helped sustain the Healey’s strong presence in international sports car markets. It maintained the model’s competition credentials, although by the late 1950s the focus was gradually shifting from pure rally performance toward grand touring appeal.
The 100/6 directly paved the way for the Austin-Healey 3000, introduced in 1959 with increased displacement and further refinement. In this sense, the 100/6 occupies a transitional but essential position in the Big Healey lineage.
Quirks and Pop Culture
One of the defining distinctions within the 100/6 range is the difference between the BN4 2+2 and the BN6 two-seater variants. Enthusiasts often debate the merits of each configuration, particularly in terms of weight distribution and authenticity of the “original” Healey spirit.
The adoption of the six-cylinder engine altered the exhaust note and overall driving character, giving the car a deeper and smoother sound compared with the earlier four-cylinder 100. Export success, especially in North America, reinforced the Austin-Healey’s image as a quintessential British sports car of the late 1950s.
Today, the 100/6 is valued for combining early Big Healey styling with six-cylinder smoothness, offering a distinct alternative to both the four-cylinder 100 and the later 3000.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion
Produced from 1956 to 1959, the Austin-Healey 100/6 marked a significant development in the Big Healey series. Its 2.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine delivered increased power and refinement, while the extended wheelbase improved stability. Maintaining the ladder-frame chassis and classic roadster proportions, it balanced performance with growing comfort expectations. As the direct predecessor to the 3000, the 100/6 remains a key link in the evolution of Britain’s most recognized postwar sports car line.
