Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Austin-Healey 100-6 Two-Seat Roadster
s/n BN6-L/2327, eng. no. 26D-RU-H/67235
White with Black Leather Interior

Established in 1952 as a joint venture with partners Austin Motors (BMC) and the Donald Healey Motor Company, Austin-Healey built their reputation as capable artisans of stylish cars in a remarkably short period of time. Within a mere four years, the company expanded on their initial offering, upping the four-cylinder model with a longer wheelbase and a substantially more powerful in-line six-cylinder engine, aptly named the 100-6. The 100-6 was not only a new model it came in two variants, the 2+2 Bn4 model and the BN6 roadster the latter of which was offered for the last two years of production 1958-1959. Outfitted with twin SU carburetors, the improved six-port engine delivered 117 bhp on tap and a top speed of 104 mph, the 100-6 could achieve 0-60 in 10 seconds. The 4-speed manual gearbox also returned a surprising benefit of 17.3 mpg, a considerable achievement for a sports car of such distinction. Though braking was handled by drums in all four corners, the coil spring, anti-roll bar front suspension and De Dion axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and Panhard rod rear suspension made for a nimble and sporting car. Sales were nothing short of astonishing given the relatively new venture and lack of worldwide advertising, with examples heading to all parts of the world including North America with strong sales particularly in California.

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate accompanying this car, this 100-6 was completed in Left Hand Drive, specified for North American Export. Assembled at the factory finished in Colorado Red, red trim, and a black top, the certificate further indicates a build date of 21-22 July 1958 and a dispatch date of 31 July, 1958. The car was shipped to a US dealer in New Orleans outfitted with the following factory equipment:

Wire Wheels
Overdrive
Heater
Laminated Windscreen
Roadspeed Tyres

According to copies of records accompanying the car, services date back to the early 1990s with considerable detail outlining various repairs and general maintenance, along with handwritten detailed notations. The current owner purchased the car in 2004, and in 2005 experts at Epifani Restorations removed and rebuilt the transmission and further performed other general services. Other notable services include a speedometer rebuild in 1995 by Palo Alto Speedometer, a conversion to front disc brakes also in 1995, wire wheel rebuild for all four wheels including new steel spokes and nipples in 1993, and numerous other detailed invoices in 1992 and 1993 indicating the car was likely restored at this time. Currently on California salvage title, previous ownership history reveals the car was involved in a fire resulting in an insurance claim. The insurance company paid the claim, but the car remained sound enough to warrant restoration. Under current ownership for the past 16 years, the owner has been diligent with general services including a new battery in 2020 and new rear wheel brake cylinders and rear brake shoes in 2014.

Today, this Austin Healey presents quite well for an older restoration with very good cosmetics throughout. The paint has held up very well still retaining a high gloss finish, though would benefit from a sensitive cut and polish should someone wish to go the extra mile. The exterior condition is representative of good care since the restoration was completed more than 25 years ago with nicely settled finishes throughout, tidy detailing around the trim and accessories, with a settled patina to the overall finishes. The chrome remains highly reflective showing some light aging and minor hairline scratches. The body integrity is excellent, with consistent shut lines and tight closures on the doors and bonnet. The hood fits well but does appear to slightly favor the driver’s side gap. All trim, script, and body panel fender trim have been applied with care and have been carefully detailed. Glass, lighting, and the distinctive wrinkled grille are all in very good condition. The 70 spoke wire wheels are beautifully finished in silver paint, accented by dual ear chrome plated knockoffs, shod with correctly sized tires, showing ample tread remaining, excellent ride height, and natural fit to the wheel openings. Stance on the car is very sporty given the sleek single-tone white that enhances the character and heritage of this low-slung roadster.

The black interior is in very good condition having been both thoughtfully and expertly redone with correct materials and trim, white piping, good quality carpeting with some evidence of use in the driver’s footwell, and a matching black dashboard with handsome finishes. The leather seat material is supple, wrapped over properly padded cushions, now showing a bit of use as the material has gently relaxed over time, more so in the driver’s seat. Instruments and switches are detailed with clarity on the faces and glass, showing very nice detail and quality to the chrome bezels. Fit and finish and attention to detail is evident in the door panels, entry thresholds, tonneau cover, and beautifully finished gloss black steering wheel. Although the older restoration has aged a bit, the overall cohesive presentation still remains very rewarding. The trunk area has been equally detailed and properly finished with correct materials including a proper silver painted 42 spoke spare wire wheel and the correct material lining the trunk. Under the trunk lid, an entry number is shown for a 2002 Austin Healey driving event held in Lake Tahoe in which the current owner participated successfully.

The engine compartment is attractive and tidy, having been properly finished with attention to originality and correct factory type finishes performed at the time the car was restored. Though now showing some aging and fading, the finishes still reflect only moderate use with no areas appearing excessively aged. The matching numbers engine reveals correct stamped numbers which match the heritage certificate. The engine compartment and firewall show signs of use but remains quite attractive, correctly painted, clean and tidy, and in keeping with the generally sound exterior presentation. The firewall and inner fenders appear to have been very well-prepared during restoration and correctly finished. The underside of the car displays no visual evidence of structural compromise, generally confirming the restoration quality still evident overall. The front disc brake conversion appears to have been done with period correct components and there is no evidence of structural corrosion to the frame or underside body finishes. Some of the suspension components and painted finishes show signs of general use but still appear very tidy and properly maintained including the newer stainless-steel exhaust system.

The car starts easily and settles into a comfortable idle, delivering a wonderful sound from the hearty twin carbureted six-cylinder engine. The 4-speed gearshift lever works very smoothly as all gears are easily engaged, and the clutch takes up effortlessly. The performance of the gearbox reflects the quality of the transmission rebuild performed by Epifani in 2005. Brakes are far superior to what was offered in period, enhanced by the responsive front disc brake conversion. The nimble 100-6 delivers light steering even at slower speeds, and the car tracks well on the road, with good manners and rewarding engine sounds especially on wide open roads. The optional overdrive functions properly and is a welcome relief particularly when cruising for long periods at highway speeds. The car comes with three spare wire wheels, a Smitty bell housing, new Clutchnet clutch and what appears to be instructions for conversion to a Toyota 5 speed gearbox. Also included are two sets of attachable side window frames, Austin Healey branded fender protectors, a new-in-box soft top complete with bows, a pair of drum brakes (likely the original front units from the car), a tool kit consisting of misc. spare hoses, parts, and various electrical replacement spares, a set of headlight stone guards, a set of headlight trim rings, misc. chrome mirrors, and numerous Austin Healey books, service binders, a newly produced owner’s manual, and specialized reference Austin Healey literature.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive Austin Healey 100-6 Roadster with an older but very presentable restoration maintained by thoughtful enthusiasts with modest use by the current owner over the past 17 years of his thoughtful stewardship. A rare factory equipped overdrive, open two-seater roadster, this Austin Healey 100-6 combines charming driving manners and enjoyable cosmetics one can readily enjoy and locally show with pride and satisfaction.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608