....the factory never fitted chrome wire wheels  to any model Austin Healey......

Car# 68959 saw the intorduction of a new style interior for the BN4 which remained the same for  all models until the introduction of the BJ8

...2 port head with side draft carbs.........

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......the conical reflectors. ...these are originals in the correct amber colour. Early 3000s also had them but then they became red before finally changing to flat red ones

The BN4 interior when first introduced used similar front seats to the BN2 that it replaced.  These included wood on the backs to which the covers were tacked and covered with `Hidem` strips. The BN2 saddle type armrest was also used. This style of BN4 interior was used until car # 68959

It is commonly believed that the 100-Six was badly received due to its lack of performance but in fact contemporary road tests were very complimentary. ( see Road Tests). Although it was noted that intial 0-60 mph acceleration was less than the 100 it was realised that this was a different kind of car, which possessed excellant mid range torque and a much smoother engine making for effortless long distance cruising at 90 mph or even more.

Drums on the front....... just like the 100s

Unique Features The 100-Six has several features that differentiate it from the later 3,000's

...John Bolster in Autosport reported.. ...it has a much greater useful revolution range and I was able to "beat up" several "fours" with ease....

BN4 - 2 Port Integral Head ____________________________________________

Geoff Healey, ex-Riley development engineer Eddie Maher and Harry Weslake worked on the engine and increased the output to 102 bhp at 4600 rpm by the time the car was launched.

A British magazine thought the car "less sports and more GT than the originals."  Road and Track said: "....the two extra cylinders give the engined an entirely diferent sound and feel, and performance is deceptive thanks to the gratifying smoothness..." "...this six has a real potential both in immediate sales and in future development towards even more performance." This proved to be the case.

...the 100-Six was well received on its launch......

.......and of course the badge........

Restored example of BN4 `Longbridge` style interior

100-Six

The C-series engine only developed 92hp at 4500 rpm, which might have been acceptable for a family barge like the A90 but was not seen as good enough to power the 100-Six, particularly as the old 100 produced about the same output but was 330 lbs lighter in weight.

BN4 Interior

For more details on the specifications of the `Longbridge` style interior please refer to An Original Car and Longbridge Features

Acceleration was less than the old model with a 0 to 60mph time of about 12.5 seconds although top speed was better than the 100, at 106 mph with overdrive fitted. The issue was  the integral gallery head which only had two input ports and this together with the horizontal, side draft         1 1/2" SU H4 carburetors, made breathing difficult.

BT4 The car should really have been designated as the BT4 as within Austin`s system `T` represented a four seat car and `N` a two seat The 100s and 3000s are designted this way `J` is for a convertible as in BJ7 & BJ8

..the ridge or crease in the bonnet....... ..to read the Healeys' explanation for this click here