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1959 Austin Healey 100-6: A Blend of British Charm and Sporting Pedigree

The 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 is a machine that encapsulates the essence of British sports car design during the post-war era. Born from the collaboration between the Austin division of the British Motor Corporation and the Healey Motor Company, this vehicle emerged as a stylish and capable roadster that captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts around the globe. The 100-6 was a significant evolution in the Austin Healey lineup, boasting improvements over its predecessor, the 100, and paving the way for its successor, the revered 3000 model.

In an age where sports cars were becoming symbols of freedom and adventure, the Austin Healey 100-6 stood out with its distinctive long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, and short rear deck. This vehicle was not just a mode of transportation; it was a statement of style and performance that resonated with the spirited drivers of its time.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 is nothing short of iconic. Its flowing lines and muscular stance were complemented by a rakish grille and sleek headlamps that seemed to pierce through the air. The interior was a blend of functionality and elegance, with leather seats that cradled occupants in comfort, while a wood-rimmed steering wheel and classic gauges provided a sense of occasion every time one slid behind the wheel.

For its era, the 100-6 introduced noteworthy technological advancements such as front disc brakes on later models, which were still relatively uncommon at the time. Color options ranged from vibrant reds to deep blues, with Healey Blue being a particularly popular choice among aficionados. The car was available in two body styles: a two-seat BN6 and the more common four-seat BN4, with the latter offering practicality without compromising on style.

Historical Significance

The Austin Healey 100-6 marked an important chapter in automotive history. It helped solidify the concept of a true British sports car in international markets, especially in America where it enjoyed considerable success. Its blend of performance, style, and relative affordability set it apart from other sports cars of the time and contributed to establishing Austin Healey as a marque synonymous with open-top motoring pleasure.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet lay a robust 2.6-liter inline-six engine that propelled the 100-6 to respectable top speeds north of 100 mph—a benchmark for sports cars at that time. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in under 11 seconds, which was quite spirited for its day. On winding roads or when navigating through undulating terrain, drivers praised its responsive handling characteristics. The symphony from its twin SU carburetors and exhaust provided an auditory thrill that complemented its lively driving dynamics.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 cherished it for various reasons—some enjoyed its reliability as a daily driver while others reveled in its prowess on the show circuit or even amateur racing events. Maintenance was straightforward for those familiar with classic British sports cars, though sourcing some specific parts could pose challenges due to their increasing rarity.

Fun Facts

The Austin Healey brand has been graced by celebrity ownership throughout its history, adding to its allure. Moreover, while not known for breaking outright speed records, it did hold its own in endurance rallies and club races. Criticisms often revolved around issues typical for cars of this period such as weather protection and cabin noise—minor trade-offs for such characterful motoring.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market values a well-preserved or expertly restored 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 anywhere from $40,000 to over $80,000 depending on condition and provenance. Approximately 14,436 units were produced during its production run from late 1956 to early 1959. As with many classic cars, values have generally appreciated over time as these vehicles become rarer and more sought after by enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 remains an emblematic figure in classic British motoring history—a testament to design brilliance and engineering foresight. It continues to captivate collectors and driving purists alike with its undeniable charm and dynamic prowess. As we look back on this automotive masterpiece, we're reminded that some legends truly do get better with age.

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 Austin Healey 100-6 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 111-WWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1959 Austin Healey 100-6 Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each-RP 1Starter Solenoid Button Cover. Perfect reproduction. Each

1959 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

1959 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