1957 Austin Healey 100/6 (BN4) - Single Family Ownership Since 1960

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 – 12hp more than its predecessor. 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.

The accompanying Heritage certificate confirms that this 100/6 four-seater is an early home-market BN4. It was built on 19th February 1957 delivered in Ivory White with red trim and a black hood and had been optioned from new with a heater, laminated windscreen, disc wheels and overdrive deleted.

The first owner, a retired doctor, kept the Healey until his untimely death in early 1960. Offered for sale at Agnew & Graham Ltd, Oxford Street, Belfast, our vendor's father was obviously rather taken with this shiny Healey and purchased it on 2nd July 1960 for £600 and, pleasingly, the Bill of Sale is in the car's history file.

Whilst in the family ownership for the last 63 years, the car has been well-maintained and has covered just 64,000 miles from new. Inherited by our vendor and his sister in 1995, the Healey was entrusted to MG Restorations, Belfast who in 1996 carried out a full repaint, but pleasingly it still has its original interior and benefitted from a new hood at the time. Having been jointly owned by the late owner's children for nearly 30 years, only used on high days and holidays, they have decided that the time has come to part with 'Dad's Healey'. An honest, genuine, much-loved 100/6 that has been with the family for six decades.