The Austin-Healey 100-6 was designed as a successor to the highly popular Austin-Healey 100 series of two seater sports cars. Although making use of the same basic designation, the changes to the car were such that it would be viewed as a new model. In coming up with the idea of the original Healey 100, Donald Healey had identified a gap in the market, something that was exploited to the maximum through the creation of the Austin-Healey company. After three years of production of the Austin-Healey 100 though it was decided for a radical redesign was called for. Again Donald Healey believed he had located a gap in the market, this time for a four seat sports car. The new car was the BN4 Austin-Healey 100-6. To make the car into a four seater, obviously two seats would need to be added. The wheelbase of the car though was only increased by two inches, thus it was almost impossibility for people to squeeze in the back with any degree of comfort. The aerodynamics of the car also meant that those people unfortunate enough to sit in the rear of the Austin-Healey 100-6 were subject to a maelstrom of churned up air. Little thought, it seems, was given to luggage space in the Austin-Healey 100-6 either, with inadequate boot space having a detrimental affect on its ability to be a sports tourer. The new car would have a fixed windscreen, replacing the normal fold down windscreens of the original 100s. Other styling alterations were also needed on the Austin-Healey as amendments were made to the engine. The 2639cc C-Series straight six cylinder engine was taken from the Austin Westminster. The physical size and weight of the new engine were greater than the previous 2.6lt engine used on the original 100 series of cars. The larger engine would mean that the bonnet would now need an air scoop to accommodate it, as well as repositioning under the bonnet. The new engine though did not produce as much power as it should have done, resulting in only 102bhp being produced. This problem was caused by an inability to get enough air and fuel into the combustion chambers of the engine. Low power, a heavier car and a change in the balance of the car, all ensured that the Austin-Healey 100-6 was neither as fast or as easy to handle as its predecessor. Working with the existing chassis meant little could be done about the rear seating, but Austin-Healey did manage to make alterations to the engine to improve performance. In 1957 bigger carburettors and a revised manifold were added to the engine, increasing the power output up to 117bhp, and a new top speed of 104mph. In 1958 the last of the Austin-Healey 100-6 cars were produced, with a designation of BN6 Austin-Healey 100-6, with a reversion back to a two seat sports car, the idea which had originally brought so much success to the Austin-Healey company. Interestingly though production of the four seat car continued. By 1958 though Austin-Healey though, had also started production on the extremely popular Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the Bugeye or Frogeye. This new car was perfect for the small two seat sports car market. The following year the Austin-Healey 3000 was also launched, the Big Healey was a true 2+2 and fast, something that the Austin-Healey 100-6 had failed to be. Production of the 100-6 would come to an end in 1959, following four years of production that had seen 14,436 cars manufactured. Following on from the Austin-Healey 100, the Austin-Healey 100-6 would prove to be a disappointment. In essence it was a good idea that was poorly executed, and perhaps the best that can be said about it would be that in some way at least it lead to the development of the Austin-Healey 3000. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society