Beschreibung
Bonhams are delighted to offer at our forthcoming Collectors' Motor Car Auction on Saturday 7th September 2019 at The Beaulieu International Autojumble, England 126 collectors motor cars – plus over 400 lots of automobilia and 30 motorcycles. The full online catalogue can be viewed on the Bonhams website.
C. 1957 AUSTIN-HEALEY 100/ 6 CONVERTIBLE
REGISTRATION NO. HFO 554
CHASSIS NO. BN44LO/ 70683
* First of the six-cylinder 'Big Healeys'
* Imported from the USA
* Left-hand drive
* Restored in the mid-1990s
* Present ownership since 1999
£20, 000 - 30, 000
€22, 000 - 33, 000
'After a really gruelling road test, I can say that this new sports model is ideal for Continental touring. It also stood up to lap after lap of the Nürburgring at racing speeds, without complaint, and that must be equivalent to a vast mileage under more humane conditions. Finally, it has the kind of appearance that will make many prospective purchasers reach for their cheque books.' – John Bolster on the Austin-Healey 100/ 6, Autosport, 12th October 1956.
Introduced for 1956, the 100/ 6 represented the most radical step forward in the Big Healey's development. Despite its initial success, sales of the original Austin-Healey 100 had begun to decline by the mid-1950s and so the model was revamped as the '100/ 6', BMC's 2. 6-litre C-series six replacing the original four-cylinder Austin Atlantic engine. At the same time the wheelbase was lengthened from 7' 6" to 7' 8", which enabled the inclusion of two occasional seats in the rear of the BN4 variant. In 100-6 tune the pushrod six produced 102bhp - 12bhp more than its predecessor - though the inevitable weight gain meant that there was little if any improvement in performance, the car's top speed remaining at 103mph or thereabouts. Although stylistically very similar to the preceding 100, the 100/ 6 was nevertheless easily distinguishable by its 'crinkle' radiator grille and bonnet-top air intake. In 1957 an improved six-port engine became available, and this 117bhp unit was fitted to all the newly introduced BN6 two-seater roadsters. Top speed improved to 111mph and 1. 7 seconds was cut from the 0-60mph time.
A left-hand drive model, this Austin-Healey 100/ 6 is understood to have resided in the USA until the mid-1990s when it was restored. The car was purchased at auction circa 1996 by the previous owner, from whom it was acquired by the current vendor in 1999. The car is described by the vendor as in generally good mechanical order, though it would be fair to say that it would benefit from cosmetic improvement. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and current MoT.
