Image of 1958 Austin Healey 100-6, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Unveiling the 1958 Austin Healey 100-6: A British Motoring Icon

The year 1958 marked a significant milestone in British automotive history with the introduction of the Austin Healey 100-6, a vehicle that encapsulated the spirit of post-war optimism and the joy of open-top motoring. Born from the collaboration between the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation and the renowned sports car designer Donald Healey, this model was a continuation of the celebrated Healey marque. The 100-6 not only turned heads with its sleek design but also brought technological advancements to the sports car realm. A unique fact about this classic is that it was one of the first cars to offer an optional overdrive gearbox, enhancing its long-distance cruising capabilities and solidifying its place in automotive history.

Design and Innovation: A Blend of Elegance and Functionality

The exterior styling of the Austin Healey 100-6 was a harmonious blend of curves and chrome, with a long bonnet that housed its powerful engine and a short rear deck that gave it a sporty stance. The interior was a testament to British craftsmanship, featuring leather seats and a dashboard adorned with an array of gauges, all enveloped in an aura of hand-finished wood and polished metal. Technologically, it boasted innovations like wind-up windows and an adjustable steering column, features that were quite advanced for its time. Color options ranged from classic British Racing Green to vibrant two-tone schemes, with Healey Blue over Ivory being among the most popular choices. The most iconic body style was arguably the two-seat BN6 roadster, though a 2+2 variant known as the BN4 also found favor among buyers.

Historical Significance: Setting New Standards in Sports Car Design

The Austin Healey 100-6 didn't just turn heads on the road; it set new benchmarks in automotive design and technology. Its six-cylinder engine was a departure from its four-cylinder predecessor, offering improved performance and smoothness. This car's influence can be seen in later models' design language and performance ethos, making it a pivotal player in shaping what we now consider quintessential elements of a British sports car.

Performance and Handling: Experiencing the Thrill of British Engineering

Underneath its bonnet lay a robust 2.6-liter inline-six engine that propelled the 100-6 from 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds—a commendable feat for its era. The top speed hovered around the 103 mph mark, allowing drivers to experience exhilarating performance. On winding roads or when encountering rough surfaces, the vehicle's handling characteristics shone through; drivers reveled in direct steering feedback and a balanced chassis that made every journey memorable. The symphony of its engine's growl coupled with the tactile sensations from the road created an immersive driving experience.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just a Car

The Austin Healey 100-6 was more than just transportation; it was an extension of one's lifestyle. Whether used as a daily driver, showcased at car events, or occasionally raced, it provided owners with joy and pride. Maintenance required some mechanical knowledge but was generally straightforward due to its simple construction and availability of parts. Reliability was on par with other sports cars of its time, making it a realistic choice for enthusiasts.

Fun Facts: The Legacy Lives On

Throughout its production run, several special editions and one-off models were created, including those tailored for competition use. Celebrity ownerships added to its allure—film stars and racing drivers often seen behind their wheels. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records for Austin Healey, becoming one of their most successful models. Despite criticisms over things like limited cabin space compared to some contemporaries, it remained highly sought after.

Collector's Information: A Coveted Classic

Today, an Austin Healey 100-6 can fetch anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 depending on condition, originality, and provenance. Approximately 14,436 units were produced during its lifespan from 1956 to 1959. As with many classics, prices have shown an appreciation trend over time due to their increasing rarity and desirability among collectors.

Conclusion: Celebrating an Evergreen Classic

The 1958 Austin Healey 100-6 remains an emblematic figure in classic British motoring—a testament to innovation during its time that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. Its combination of style, performance, and sheer driving pleasure ensures that it holds a special place in automotive history as well as in the hearts of those who have had the privilege to own or drive one.

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 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

1958 Austin Healey 100-6 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 111-WWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1958 Austin Healey 100-6 Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each-RP 1Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each

1958 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

1958 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