1959 Austin Healey 100/6 BN4

This remarkable example of Healey’s genius is a 1958 100-6 BN4 model. The “6” designates the introduction of the six-cylinder BMC C-Series engine from the Austin Westminster which replaced the four-cylinder unit fitted to the earlier cars. The BN4 signifies the car’s 2+2 configuration. Our car’s chassis number confirms it as a factory right hand drive model, ticking all the key Healey 100 boxes.

It seems this fine example spent the bulk of its life in the dry and rust-inhibiting climate of South Africa. By 2019 the 100 had returned to its country of origin by being re-imported to the UK. The Healey was first registered here in September 2020. For the next year or so the car underwent a full and thorough restoration. All aspects of the car were addressed including body and paintwork, interior and mechanicals. The original 2.6L engine was bored out to 3 litres and a lightened and balanced flywheel was fitted. Since the restoration no more than a couple of hundred miles have been covered.

This sublime example is now offered for sale by its first and only UK registered keeper. For those with a penchant for “proper” British sports cars in the right colour and optimum specification, this has to be the car for you.

Gerry Coker joined Healey’s fledgling company in 1950 as a “body engineer.” After cutting his teeth on looking after the Nash Healey bodies as they arrived from makers Panelcraft, Healey challenged him to design his sports car. Corker’s design would form the basis of the “Hundred” that so inspired Leonard Lord and many others.

Corker’s accomplished design seemed to represent an architype for a 1950’s British sports car with complex curves and intriguing details combining to create a deceptively simple overall treatment. This is showcased perfectly in our British Racing Green example – surely the optimum livery. Accompanying records document the Healey undergoing a full respray and body restoration in 2021. As a result, the paintwork and bodywork appear to be in excellent condition throughout. A deep and bright lustre emanates from every panel and the panel gaps are pin sharp and faithfully symmetrical, the seller says "the panel gaps on the car which are incredible for a Healey, they took a lot of time, effort and expense and were all done before the car went for paint and not included on the paint invoice".

The gleaming brightwork of the 100 contrasts dramatically with the BRG paintwork. The front profile of the car positively drips with bright and lustrous chrome with bumper, over-riders, elliptical radiator grill, headlight bezels and bonnet scoop grill all gleaming. The “100” lightening bolt model badge and Healey winged motif complete the look.

Headlamps, diminutive taillights, wing mirrors and windscreen glass all appear clear and un-fogged with no signs of any imperfections. Weather protection is by way of a black vinyl tonneau cover. This is centrally zipped to allow for use when just the driver is in situ.

Our car sits on a set of 60 cross spoked, 15-inch wire wheels which are finished in hardwearing deep chrome and present in a pristine condition. These are affixed at the centres with chromed, twin eared spinners and are shod with a matching set of General period style radial tyres in a 185 SR15 configuration. 

Not to be outdone by the £15,000 plus 2021 respray, the interior has also been fully retrimmed and restored at around the same time. The Cherry Red Nappa leather upholstery and associated trim makes a real statement, especially in contrast to the dark green exterior livery. Superb!

The curved backed bucket seats are upholstered into a series of padded, vertical box pleats in their centres. Black leather piping delineates the panels and describes the seat extremities. The front seats fold forward to allow access to the occasional rear seats which are identically trimmed. Usefully the back rest of the occasional rears folds forward to provide additional luggage space when needed.

Brand new matching Cherry Red, edge bound carpets are fitted and even “Austin” emblazoned driver and passenger heel pads are present. Door card trim, side panels and footwell panels are all newly trimmed also, giving the interior that genuinely “just refurbished” ambiance.

Even the dashboard padded top roll and fascia panel are trimmed in matching Cherry Red lightly textured leather. The instruments consist of charming set of four, ivory faced Smiths items that sit directly behind the large, three-spoked alloy Mota-Lita steering wheel with a varnished wooden rim.

The attention to detail on this car appears exceptional. Even the door apertures are finished with textured, machine finished alloy panels to help protect the paintwork during the sometimes chaotic process of ingress and egress. 

The surprisingly spacious boot is trimmed in matching red carpet and is home to the spare wire wheel, tools and jack. There are also some original spare parts in here in the shape of the factory specification cam cover and radiator.

With the arrival of the 100/6 in 1956, the Healey finally had an engine that could do justice to the rigid, space framed chassis. By 1957 the power from this six-cylinder C-Series engine was up at around 117 bhp. Despite this healthy original output, our car has enjoyed some significant upgrades during its restoration. This includes a rebore to bring the capacity up to 3,000cc and the fitting of a lightened and balanced flywheel which improves responsiveness by hastening the rise and fall of engine revs. A new clutch and engine mounts have been fitted and the cooling has been uprated with a new aluminium radiator, fan and water pump. The fittings are all zinc or stainless steel in the engine bay and the further benefits from electronic ignition and disc brakes.

Lifting the long bonnet reveals a beautifully presented engine bay. The first thing that strikes you is the polished alloy cam cover with “Austin Healey” picked out in red script. This is accompanied by other nicely polished alloys to the radiator and carburettor bowls. The inner panels are fastidiously painted, and the original engraved chassis number plate is present and correct.

The underside of the car helps to underscore the depth and thoroughness of the restoration. It is very clean and straight and has been diligent finished with preservative black underseal.

There is a good level of accompanying paperwork included with the Big Healey. This includes invoices and photographs from the 2021 restoration. The current V5 registration document is present. This lists the Healey as an Historic Vehicle and so MoT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK.

Other interesting documentation includes some registration papers from its South African life and numerous parts manifests for the replacement items sourced and fitted.

Donald Healey’s status as a man of adventure and a dyed in the wool racer and enthusiast seemed to seep into the DNA of the cars he conceived. As a result, the Healey earned plaudits and admiration on two levels. Not only were they accomplished and sporting road cars, but they were able to cut the mustard on the tracks and rally stages of the world too. This in no small part contributes to the Healey 100’s status as an iconic British classic sports car of the 1950’s.

It is clear that his example has been very thoughtfully and professionally restored. The restorers have walked a fine line balancing admirable originality with a range of thoughtful upgrades making for a highly useable exemplar of the breed. This is an esteemed classic British sports car that is ready to use and enjoy and presents like few others do. As such it should demand your attention and bids. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £40,000 - £50,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.