The side pipes poking out from underneath this 1959 Austin Healey 100-6 are a good indication not everything is stock under the solid body! The car has been stored in a dry carport since 1979 and is now listed for sale here on craigslist with an asking price of $13,000. That dry carport is located in Los Angeles, California.
Starting with the 1957 model year, (some were produced as early as September 1956) the second iteration of the Big Healey (the 100-6) was produced in a four-seat design, whereas the previous 100-4 was a two-seater only. Having owned a 1959 BN4 “four” seater, I can attest to the uselessness of those rear seats, which continued throughout the 1967 end of production BJ8. In 1958, a two-seat model was re-introduced and confusingly numbered the BN6. They are rarer and arguably prettier than the four-seat models, and this particular car is one of them. While there is some rust present in the body shell, it is a far cry from most 100-6/3000 project cars I’ve seen in the last 20 years. Thanks to reader Rex M. for submitting this solid carport find!
When I see more cobwebs than rust holes, it’s a good thing. The engineers of the time had a lot to learn about rust prevention (like don’t bolt aluminum panels directly to steel ones) and it really is a surprise to see an unrestored car this solid.
Some restoration work has already been completed on the car as evidenced by this shot of some brake components. The wheels have also been sandblasted and powder coated, and the seller has purchased a new wiring harness.
The seller describes the floorboards as solid and they certainly look to be so. Sharper-eyed readers will note that is not the side-shift manual transmission that should be present. So what gives?
“Outlaw” Healeys generally have some American V-8 drivetrain mounted into place — in this case a Ford 260-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and an automatic transmission. This certainly hurts the value of the car from a collector’s point of view, but take the condition of the frame and body into consideration. It shouldn’t be that difficult to convert the car back to stock if you choose to do so, and Healey drivetrains from cars far rustier can be found fairly easily. On the other hand, I have a friend with a Ford 302 in his Healey that he thoroughly enjoys and drives on a regular basis. Which begs the question, dear readers, which drivetrain would you prefer?
Hate to burst the bubble but there is a bunch of rust on this car that is going to take a bunch of money and time to repair. Have driven a couple V8 cars and they are as much fun or more as the originals.
I agree with Bob. I would leave the 260 since it was done so long ago. I bet there is very little weight difference if any. And yes the person who buys this will be quite busy with body issues.
Actually, these were called the “Healey Cobras” and was a popular swap for a while. Some used SBC’s, but most were Fords. Back in the 70’s, they had what was called “gymkanas”, and sports car clubs set up road course tracks in shopping centers on Sunday. Yep, shopping centers were closed on Sundays, and with liability today, I doubt it would happen anyway. A guy had a “Healey Cobra”, and cleaned up on everyone, even though, it was front heavy, and spun it out a couple times. I like the 6 cylinder, but if you were to have a V8, the Ford will give you plenty of thrills. An automatic is a wise choice, as you probably would tear the motor out with a 4 speed. Just make sure you can stop the dang thing,,,
They still run Monthly Sunday races here and throughout the south. At the local Mall, or occasionally at the local community college Parking lot.
Saw one on Mecum this last weekend, went up to $160k and did not meet the reserve.
Keep the V8 and replace the slush box with a Fox bodied Mustang 5 speed
These big 6 cylinder cars were around 2500lbs. I have a 57 that happens to be the nicer looking 2 seater. Although it has a injected 331 v8 in it now, back in the 60s it had a sweet 289 in it with a top loader. Stepping on the truck scales with side pipes and big tires it came in at 2000lbs. The Ford drive train was lighter than the old tractor derived 6pot. This car can be turned into real screamer and the money is there for these restomods. Not like years back.
One big problem with replacing the original engine with a V8 is you will lose the exhaust note of that 6 cylinder. A noise once heard, never forgotten.
Although I agree the original 6 had a great note, I also had great fondness for the wonderful sound of a 289 with side pipes. The modern 331 that I am running now has a different firing order than the 289 and sounds unremarkable at idle and cruise, but does have its voice when crowding the go pedal.
This brings back fond memories of the only car I regret parting with. Mine was a 62 3000 with a 289, mated to a Jaguar XK140 gearbox and the still functioning electric overdrive. The car was built by a metals expert named Ron Kilborn who taught at SUNY Oswego. It even had solid wheel knock-offs he had crafted by cutting out the 5 lug centers of 14″ GM wheels and machining in and welding the former wire wheel knock-offs that the torque of the Ford had destroyed . Profoundly fun to drive except at full chat on a bumpy corner. Need for funds to go student teaching caused its sale in 1978 in southern NY….nice to see a similar version that may see the road in the future!