Image of 1957 Austin Healey 100-6, sourced from www.pcarmarket.com , Image Link.

The Quintessential British Roadster: 1957 Austin Healey 100-6

The 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 is a rolling testament to British automotive craftsmanship, a vehicle that captures the spirit of post-war optimism and the joy of driving. Born from the collaboration between the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation and the renowned sports car designer Donald Healey, this classic roadster emerged as a symbol of elegance and performance. Its historical significance is rooted in its role as a bridge between the austerity of the 1940s and the swinging '60s, marking a period when sports cars became more accessible to enthusiasts. A unique fact about this model is that it was one of the first cars to be equipped with overdrive as a standard feature, enhancing its long-distance touring capabilities.

Design and Innovation

The 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 boasted an exterior styling that was both sleek and muscular, with flowing lines that hinted at its agility and power. The car's front grille, with its distinctive horizontal slats, became an iconic design element. Inside, occupants were treated to a no-frills yet purposeful cabin, where leather seats and a polished wood dashboard spoke of understated luxury. The materials used were of high quality for the era, ensuring durability and comfort. Technological features such as a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive set this vehicle apart from many contemporaries. Color options ranged from traditional British Racing Green to vibrant reds, with white coves adding a striking contrast on some models. The two-seater roadster body style was by far the most popular and remains emblematic of the brand's sporting heritage.

Historical Significance

The Austin Healey 100-6's impact on automotive design was profound; it helped popularize the long hood and short rear deck proportion that became synonymous with sports cars. It stood out for its blend of performance, style, and relative affordability compared to other sports cars of the era. The model's lasting influence can be seen in successive generations of sports cars that have sought to capture its blend of aesthetics and driving enjoyment.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet lay a robust inline-six engine that propelled the 100-6 from 0-60 mph in under 11 seconds—a respectable figure for its time. The top speed hovered around the 100 mph mark, hence its "100" moniker. On winding roads or when navigating bumps, drivers appreciated its responsive steering and firm suspension setup. The driving experience was visceral; from the throaty roar of the engine to the wind in your hair sensation, it was all about engagement between man and machine.

Ownership Experience

The Austin Healey 100-6 found its niche among various types of owners: daily drivers appreciated its reliability, show car enthusiasts reveled in its timeless design, and racers admired its competitive edge. Maintenance is straightforward for those familiar with classic British sports cars, though sourcing original parts can be challenging. Overall reliability is good for a car of this age, assuming proper upkeep.

Fun Facts

This classic has seen its share of limelight; rare editions like those fitted with factory hardtops are particularly sought after. Celebrity ownerships have included stars like Steve McQueen who had an affinity for classic British cars. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in endurance racing events like the Mille Miglia.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 can fetch anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on condition and originality. Approximately 14,436 units were produced during its production run from 1956 to 1959. The market has seen a steady appreciation for these vehicles as they become rarer and more desirable among collectors.

Conclusion

The 1957 Austin Healey 100-6 is more than just a classic car; it's an emblematic piece of British motoring history that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Its combination of design elegance, spirited performance, and historical significance ensures that it remains a cherished collectible in the automotive world.

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 29Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 63Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 3-3/8" long, with 1-3/16" long inner slot. Pair

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Lower 'A' Arm Bushing. Made with metal sleeve-BN 23-CLower 'A' Arm Bushing. Made with metal sleeve. Eight used per car. 1-5/16" upper O.D.. 1" lower O.D., 5/8" I.D. X 15/16" high. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 3-3/8" long-CB 56Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 3-3/8" long. Pair

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/4" I.D., 3-5/16" O.D. Each-GF 21Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/4" I.D., 3-5/16" O.D. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/4" O.D., 6-3/8" I.D. Pair-HR 3Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/4" O.D., 6-3/8" I.D. Pair

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Windshield Post Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 5" long. Pair R&L-MP 111-AWindshield Post Pads. 2-1/4" wide X 5" long. Pair R&L

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Tail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 4" long. Pair R&L-MP 111-BTail-light Pads. 2-7/8" wide X 4" long. Pair R&L

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/4" wide X 8-5/8" long. Set-MP 111-CTrunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/4" wide X 8-5/8" long. Set

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Dash Mirror Base Pad. 7/8" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each-MP 111-DDash Mirror Base Pad. 7/8" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Trunk Handle Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each-MP 111-TTrunk Handle Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 5-3/4" long. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 111-WWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each-RP 1Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Stabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-1/2" high, 3/16" I.D. Pair-RP 22Stabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-1/2" high, 3/16" I.D. Pair

1957 Austin Healey 100-6 Gas Tank to Trunk Seal & Cushion-RP 25-CGas Tank to Trunk Seal & Cushion. For 6-cylinder models only, does not work on 4-cylinder models. Made of quality black sponge. 19" X 8-1/4" X 1/2". Each