Lot 246 - 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6
| Lot Number | 246 |
| Registration | 497 YUT |
| Chassis Number | BN4-L-O/30850 |
| Engine Number | 29D-U-H/2618 |
| Estimate | £28,000 - £35,000 |
- Fast road specification
- 72 spoke wheels
- Restored and upgraded
The Donald Healey Motor Company used the designations BN1 and BN2 for the first two Austin-Healey cars with BN4 for the 100-6 four seater and BN6 for the two seater six cylinder cars. The 100-6 was born from the Austin-Healey 100/4, 100M and 100S models and marked the change over from the four cylinder to the six cylinder engine. The production of the BN4 had begun at Longbridge in May 1956, immediately after that of the four cylinder BN2 had stopped and it continued there until December 1957 before moving to the Abingdon plant. At introduction, only the four seater car was available as Donald Healey had become convinced that was what the market wanted. The BN4 was based on some of the lessons learned in the development of the BN3. For some unknown reason, the designation BN4 was given to the two-plus-two car. This is the only instance where the ‘N’ is used on a four seater model.
This Longbridge car is a wonderful example of someone pursuing their passion. When restoring the car, the then owner, decided not to follow the rulebook. Originally exported to Düssledorf, Germany in November of 1956 and interestingly specified with a MPH speedometer, he converted the car from left to righthand drive and upgraded the engine to a Mk. I 3000 unit whilst keeping the desirable early centre creased bonnet. Not content to stop there he fitted a fast road cam, 2” SU carburettors, large core radiator, front disc brakes, aluminium fuel tank, 3000 style wing vents, rear roll cage, overdrive gearbox, 72 spoke wheels, front spot lights and trimmed in the rear seats.
Whilst not for the purist, the work on this car has been done well and it is a huge amount of fun, giving anything a run for its money on any B-road.
This lovely car is supplied with V5C registration document, a current MoT test certificate valid until October 2019, a comprehensive history file including receipts from the rebuild along with photographs and a Heritage Certificate.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.