The Austin Healey 100 6 was the last of the 100 model series. It had a production run from August of 1956 until March of 1959. In that time period two different versions were produced, the BN4 and the BN6.
The BN4 differed from the earlier models in several ways. The wheel base was extended from 90 inches to 92 inches. The power plant was also changed. It now was a 6 cylinder British Motor Company’s C series engine that had a displacement of 2639cc’s. It produced 117 bhp at 4750 rpms and had a top speed of 111 mph.
The engine also sported dual SU side draft carburetors along with an overhead cam and a 6 port cylinder head. The first of the cars equipped with this new engine were sent to the Bonneville Salt Flats for testing. There is set 28 international and American speed records.
One of the cars was then fitted with a supercharger and let loose. This car broke the 200 mph barrier.
Because of the longer wheelbase 2 children’s seats were added to the rear which made this car to be classified as a 2+2 model. This model was aimed at the American market where it was well received.
In 1958 the original 2 seater returned in the BN6 model. This still had the high performance 6 cylinder engines that were capable of exceeding 100 mph.
The Austin Healey 100 6 body no longer had features of the earlier model which included the windscreen that would fold down but because of the need for more air into the engine a hood scope was added. In all 14,436 units were produced.
This is a popular series for an American restoration project.
