2021-09-01 11:33:57 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 9/21

www.carandclassic.co.uk/auctions/1956-austin-healey-100-6-bn4-j8xoG4_campaign=Targeted%20%7C%20Wednesday%20Starting%20Today%20%20%7C%2001 ...

Auction description:

Year 1956

Make Austin Healey

Model 100/6

Colour Blue & White

Odometer 100,937 Miles

Engine size 2639

Location Somerset

Country United Kingdom

• Nut and bolt restored, documented by a photo journal

• It starts and drives perfectly

• Genuine UK RHD example

This vehicle was built in 14 December 1956 at the Longbridge factory, for the UK. It was bought by the current keeper as an unfinished project. Happily though, the current owner used to work in classic car restoration industry. As such, he has completed this project with lots of effort and dedication and reconditioned this Austin Healey 100-6 to a very high standard. Being a BN4, this car is the rare 2+2 model, though it should be noted that the rear seats are only really suitable for children! This was the mid-step between the early four-cylinder cars and the later, now famed 3000 model. An important machine by all accounts. 

After restoration, the car was taken to Silverstone Classic event and drove perfectly the whole journey. Only used in fine weather, and stored away in a warm garage when not, this car has been coveted since the tools were downed and the restoration was completed. We could only find four small imperfections, such as a small scratch on front bumper, a small paint blemish on a side, a chip on the rear side where the boot closes, and some paint scratches on temperature setting buttons. Nothing really to write home about on a car of this vintage. In the six years since the restoration, we're told by the owner that the car has done around 1,500 miles in total. 

A vast amount of money has been spent on this car, all backed with receipts. Many hours were spent fettling new old stock wings, the original shrouds were repaired, the door frames needed lots of work before new door skins could be fitted, the original 'ridged' bonnet was dismantled, blasted and rebuilt, chassis and panels painted inside, outside and underneath, and everything reconditioned, or replaced. Nothing has been missed, and as a result the car is nothing short of spectacular.

The Paperwork

Although this vehicle comes with its V5 and MOT certificate, it has limited ownership history, as the previous owner sadly passed away and misplaced all the information. Since the current keeper bought the unfinished project, the chassis and frame had extensive work to ensure the car was completely rust free. 

There are invoices for parts though, which show in some detail just what the current owner has done to the car. Furthermore, there is a photo journal of the whole restoration process, so every stage is documented properly.

The Interior

The interior features blue leather seats, fully retrimmed with wooden part of the seats remade, refitted carpet, all the instruments are clear, with no marks on the dials, and all switches are working. Everything looks and feels remarkably fresh, and not at all like a car from over sixty years ago. The current owner has gone to great lengths to get the interior (and the rest of the car) just right, and it shows. We're told by the owner that everything works as it should, and that nothing needs any further work. It's ready to go, and about as close to a new version of a Healey as you can get.

The dashboard is covered in same blue leather as the seats, and together with the patina of the dials and all the chrome accessories, it gives a particularly classic and pleasant look. The large steering wheel falls to hand perfectly, as does the gear knob. You feel instantly at home in this Healey. For an even more intimate experience, the car comes fitted with a new roof (in blue, naturally) which serves to envelop the occupants and in the process, transform how the car feels.

The Exterior

As you can see from the pictures, this Healey presents very well indeed. Resplendent in its blue over old English white colours, the car is free from any damage or significant imperfections. The paint has, from what we could observe, been applied to a very high standard. There is a rich, deep gloss across the whole car, too. The panel beading/gaskets are all new and in excellent order. The roof, as mentioned earlier, is also new and looks smashing when it's up.

All the chrome is in excellent order. There is some slight pitting here and there, but nothing that detracts from the overall aesthetic impact this car has. The wire wheels are all in good order, as are the bumpers, the light surrounds, the all-important front grille and of course, the badge bar on the front. We would encourage you have a good look through the pictures. They say they speak a thousand words and in the case of this fine classic, that is very much the case.

The Mechanics

Open the hood and we find an extensively rebuilt engine, upgraded with a later cylinder head, carburettors, camshaft and distributor. A spin-off oil filter conversion has been carried out, too. There is also an oil cooler, electric fan to make sure this Healey doesn't get too hot under the collar. A bespoke pedal box was fabricated to move pedals across 50mm, which transforms the way in which you engage with this car. Improved breaking is present by converting front disc brakes with servo assistance - a welcome modern touch for navigating today's roads. 

Special parts were cast to facilitate the fitting of a five-speed, synchromesh gearbox, to retain the “side charge” feature of the 100/6. The car is also fitted with a stainless steel exhaust, high torque starter and Dynolite charger. It's not been modified, per se. But it has been improved and made more drivable on today's roads. It's careful, considered approach that the car seems to have responded well to. As you would expect, the car starts on the first turn of the key, and according to the owner, it drives perfectly. There are no untoward bumps, rattle or creaks and the car cruises along without complaint.