Introduced for 1956, the 100/6 was a big step forward in the Big Healey's development. Despite the  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 replaced the original four-cylinder Austin Atlantic engine.  

At the same time the wheelbase was lengthened by 2 inches, 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 remained at 103mph. 

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.

This lovely left hand drive example was built in February 1959 for export to the USA where it was sold by a dealer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At some stage possibly in the early 2000s it made its way back across the Atlantic to the UK.  The seller purchased the Healey in Italy in 2014, having been imported from the UK by the previous owner who had barely used the car, choosing to keep it garaged most of the time.  

When he purchased the Healey it had an original factory removable hardtop, but no fabric hood, so shortly after he bought the car the seller purchased a new hood and frame and a new tonneau cover. He also added drop in Plexiglas side screens for added comfort and practicality.

According to the Heritage Certificate that was issued in 2016, the Healey was built originally in Ivory White, but it was already painted Signal Red when it arrived in Italy from the UK.  

Other options when originally built included black interior, wire wheels, heater and laminated screen.  It was also fitted with an overdrive gearbox, but the seller informs us that the overdrive is not currently working.

Interestingly the Healey is also fitted with front disc brakes which weren’t standard. Upon contacting the UK Healey Club it was noted that the factory had just started production of the Healey 3000 that had discs as standard so they may have been fitted to the car from new.

In 2021 the seller was invited to exhibit the Healey at the prestigious Padua Auto e Moto d'Epoca 2021 exhibition at the request of Circolo Ruote Classiche Rodigino.

There are a few important documents with the Healey; firstly the Heritage Certificate which confirms the originality of the car.  There is also an Italian Certificate of Authenticity, and the Healey is registered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano.  

There is also an original Owners Handbook.

The inside of the Healey is quite charming and nicely factory stock.  Only light wear is present and the all the seats show only a little patina, no rips or tears.  

The steering wheel is wrapped in laced leather for better grip.  The black carpets are clean and smart, and we would have to assume they are not original as there is no wear below the pedals. The instruments and dash area are all perfect with no ugly wiring or additional modern switches spoiling the period look.  

The seller says the hardtop fits beautifully although it’s a two person job to install or remove without damage.  The hood fits well, and the additional side screens complete the weather proofing as they all fit snugly and with the heater working, keep the interior warm on winter trips.  As we write this the seller told us that last weekend he enjoyed a sunny winter’s day drive down to the Euganean Hills for the weekend.  The Healey performed faultlessly and was great fun to drive.

There are, being a BN4, two small rear seats, although there are no seatbelts.  There are lap belts for the driver and front passenger.  Sensibly there is also a floor mounted fire extinguisher fitted below the driver’s seat.  The boot area is clean and tidy with a correctly braced spare wheel and cover, the hub knock off tool for the wire wheels and a battery isolator switch installed alongside the battery.

The first thing to note about the exterior is how nice the paint finish is. It is likely that the respray from white to red took place in the early 2000s, and the paint has aged well and has just the right amount of wear.  The Italian climate may have helped here!  The Healey has the correct painted windscreen supports with polished metal trim round the screen itself.  

The chrome is all very good with only minor evidence of age.  The 15 inch wire wheels look to be excellent, with a matching set of lightly worn Hankook Optimo tyres.  The removable hardtop is painted in matching red, with a smart white roof lining to keep the interior from becoming too dark.

There is a full tonneau which unzips between driver and passenger, as well as the hood, side screens (with their own storage bags), hardtop and even a smart car cover complete with Healey badge.

The seller has taken great pride in the Healey, and always had yearly checks, servicing and maintenance carried out at the Zambon Workshop in Torreglia (Padua) who specialise in British classic cars.  Recent mechanical work includes fitting a brake booster in 2017, along with replacement rear brake pistons and in 2018 a new fuel pump.  

A thermostatic electric fan was fitted ahead of the radiator to cope with the summer heat.  Over the years the seller has driven the car extensively and would be happy to drive anywhere.  He and his wife have done many classic car tours, and road trips of 1000-2000km without any issues.  He does however note that there are a few oil drips under the engine and gearbox on occasion!

The engine bay is delightful, particularly clean and with only light surface corrosion on the exposed metal parts –again thanks to the Italian climate?  There are no ugly wires, and all looks to be remarkably factory correct and tidy.

The thought of blast of a winter’s day blast down to the Euganean Hills made us quite envious as we endure repeated storms currently lashing the UK.  

That aside there can be few places as perfect to enjoy this classic British sports car.  Being left hand drive it’s quite likely that it will remain in Europe as there can be few that are as nice and eminently useable as this.  

Now reluctantly being offered we don’t think the seller will struggle to get bids on this Healey, we love it!