Launched in 1956, the Austin-Healey 100/6 was the second of the ‘Big’ Healeys and the first to feature the BMC C-Series six-cylinder engine in place of the original Healey 100’s four-cylinder unit.
It was a well-received car, albeit one that was a bit of a handful to drive with heavy steering and a mechanical gearshift that needed to be driven properly – the Big Healey wasn’t a car for wimps! Indeed, its hairy-chestedness and raw sports car appeal made it a more desirable car than the Jaguar E-Type to the type of person who valued the thrills that the Healey could offer.
It was a successful competition car, too, in both circuit racing and rallying, in part due to its rugged reliability and also because of its highly tuneable engine and ability to be stripped back and made lighter.
This one is a BN6, manufactured at the MG factory in Abingdon where Healeys were built from 1957-onwards. It was re-imported from the USA at the height of the late 1980s classic car boom and was restored over the next 14 years by an enthusiast, with the help of several well-known Healey specialists.
Although an older restoration the car has spent the past 20 years in the care of two enthusiasts who have really looked after it, and it’s still in terrific order today having covered fewer than 7,500 miles since its restoration. The current vendor has owned it for 12 years, but is looking for a more modern classic to use next summer.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported to the UK in 1989
RHD Conversion
Restored between 1989 and 2003 by owner, with major work undertaken by well-known classic car specialists
Huge file of receipts and invoices documenting parts purchased and work carried out during long-term restoration
Only 7,370 miles covered since restoration was completed
Two owners since 2003
MOT, ULEZ and tax exempt – but supplied with MOT valid to September 2024
Multiple invoices from well-known Healey parts specialists
British Motor Heritage Certificate showing the car was manufactured in April 1958 and was originally dispatched to the USA as a LHD blue and white car
Most recent invoice documents a major service carried out in 2023
THE INTERIOR
Retrimmed in black leather
Excellent carpets
Refurbished dials and switchgear
Wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel
Retrimmed in black leather with red piping, the Healey is a lovely place to sit. Old in terms of its traditional styling, but almost like new in terms of the materials – the seat covers, door cards, carpets, headlining and rubbers were all replaced during its restoration and have covered less than 7,500 miles since. It’s in lovely order, and also the arguably prettier two-seater layout.
A particular highlight is the delicate wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel, which is in superb condition and really sets the cabin ambience off nicely.
THE EXTERIOR
Excellent body and paint
Brand new hood – never fitted to the car
Superb underneath
Immculate chrome and trim
It may be an older restoration, but the Healey is still in fine fettle with no major faults, having been garage-kept by both of its owners since it was restored.
Up close, you’ll find a couple of very tiny microblisters on the bonnet and rear deck, but there are no evident signs of corrosion anywhere and the underside is flawless, following a comprehensive restoration and dry storage ever since. The current owner has only ever used the car in dry weather.
All of the chrome and trim is present and correct, with no signs of pitting or deterioration other than some very gentle wear to the original bonnet badge.
Supplied with the car are a new hood, frame and side screens, but these have never been fitted.
THE MECHANICS
3.0-litre straight-six Healey 3000 engine
Four-speed manual with overdrive on third and fourth
High-ratio final drive
Starts and drives well with no known issues
Although it left the factory as a 100/6, this car has later 2,994cc engine from the Healey 3000, which was purchased in the late 1990s and comprehensively overhauled by a renowned Healey specialist in the West Midlands.
The big BMC C-Series is a sturdy engine with lots of torque, and this one seems to be mechanically spot-on. The transmission, brakes and suspension were all overhauled when the car was rebuilt, the overdrive functions as it ought to, the oil pressure is healthy and there are no signs of mechanical issues or fluid leaks. A further plus is the high-ratio final drive in the differential, a popular conversion that gives the Big Healey models much more refined high-speed cruising manners.
The car passed an MOT test in September 2023 with no advisory notes.
SUMMARY
This is an exemplary example of the classic Big Healey, restored to a very high standard several years ago and carefully looked-after since, having covered less than 7,500 miles since the work was carried out.
In lovely condition inside and out, beautifully presented and having been cared for by a long-term Healey enthusiast for the past 12 years, it’s a terrific example that’s sure to be well-loved by its next owner.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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