1959 Austin-Healey 100/6 – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

In 1959, the Austin-Healey 100/6 reached the end of its production run just as its successor, the 3000, was about to take over. The six-cylinder Big Healey had matured into a more stable and refined roadster without abandoning its direct mechanical character. The final 100/6 models represent the closing stage of a key transitional phase in the Healey story.

Technical Details

The 1959 Austin-Healey 100/6, particularly in BN6 specification, was produced by the British Motor Corporation in collaboration with the Donald Healey Motor Company. The model was powered by a front-mounted 2,639 cc inline six-cylinder engine derived from the Austin Westminster.

By the final production years, output had been increased to approximately 117 bhp (SAE gross) through revisions to the cylinder head and intake system, including twin SU carburetors. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, usually fitted with overdrive on third and fourth gears, improving cruising capability.

The chassis remained a separate steel ladder frame with steel body panels. Suspension consisted of independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, while the rear employed a live axle located by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.

The longer wheelbase introduced with the 100/6 improved high-speed stability compared with the earlier four-cylinder 100 BN1 and BN2 models. Top speed approached approximately 175 km/h (around 110 mph), placing the car firmly within the performance range expected of late-1950s sports roadsters.

• Manufacturer: British Motor Corporation
• Model Name: Austin-Healey 100/6
• Year of Manufacturing: 1956–1959

Design

The 1959 100/6 retained the defining proportions of the Big Healey: long bonnet, low cockpit, and gently tapered rear. The wide oval grille and simple chrome bumpers gave the car a purposeful yet restrained front appearance.

The BN6 variant, reintroduced as a two-seater in 1958, eliminated the occasional rear seats found in the earlier BN4 2+2 version. This returned the car to a more traditional sports roadster layout. The fixed curved windscreen replaced the folding windscreen of the earliest 100 models, reflecting a gradual shift toward greater comfort and practicality.

Inside, the dashboard featured centrally mounted instruments within a painted metal fascia. Trim quality had improved compared with early Healeys, though the overall character remained driver-focused and mechanical rather than luxurious. Wire wheels were commonly specified, reinforcing the car’s sporting image.

Historical Significance

The Austin-Healey 100/6 was introduced in 1956 as a development of the original Austin-Healey 100, primarily distinguished by its adoption of a six-cylinder engine. By 1959, it had evolved into its most refined form, addressing early criticisms regarding engine tuning and flexibility.

The model maintained strong export performance, particularly in North America, which had become the primary market for Big Healeys. However, competition within the sports car segment was increasing, and further performance gains were required to remain competitive.

In 1959, the 100/6 was replaced by the Austin-Healey 3000, which increased engine displacement to 2,912 cc and introduced front disc brakes. The final 1959 100/6 models therefore represent the end of the 2.6-litre Healey generation and the immediate precursor to the more powerful 3000.

Quirks and Pop Culture

The 100/6 occupies a distinct position among Big Healey enthusiasts. It combines the classic body shape of the early 100 with the smoother, more flexible six-cylinder engine that would define later models. Some owners appreciate its balance between mechanical simplicity and improved drivability compared with the four-cylinder version.

The exhaust note of the 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine differs noticeably from both the earlier four-cylinder and the later 2.9-litre 3000, giving the 100/6 its own acoustic identity. Today, 1959 examples are often valued for their status as the final iteration of this transitional model.

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

The 1959 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN6 represents the culmination of the six-cylinder 2.6-litre phase of the Big Healey series. With approximately 117 bhp, a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, and the established ladder-frame chassis, it combined performance with increasing refinement. Positioned between the original 100 and the later 3000, the final 100/6 models mark an important turning point in the evolution of one of Britain’s most recognizable postwar sports cars.