Austin-Healey 100
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Austin-Healey 100 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMC |
| Production | 1953–1959 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door roadster |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Austin A90 |
The Austin-Healey 100 is a sports car built between 1953 and 1959 by the British Motor Corporation. It was developed by Donald Healey to be produced in-house by Healey's company on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals[1]. Healey built a single "Healey 100" for the 1952 London Motor Show, and the design impressed BMC, owner of Austin, so much that the firm decided to bring production in-house.
The "100" name comes from Donald Healey, who named it after the fact that this was one of the few cars of the era which could maintain 100 mph (160 km/h), as opposed to the Austin-Healey 3000, which is named for its 3000 cc engine.
Contents |
[edit] 100-4 (BN1 and BN2)
| BN1/BN2 100-4 | |
|---|---|
 1956 Austin-Healey 100 Roadster |
|
| Production | 1953–1956 14,634 produced[2] |
| Successor | Austin-Healey BN-4 100-6 |
| Engine(s) | 2660 cc I4 |
| Wheelbase | 90 in (2,286 mm)[1] |
| Length | 151 in (3,835 mm)[1] |
| Width | 60 in (1,524 mm)[1] |
Production Austin-Healey 100s were finished at BMC's Longbridge plant alongside the A90 and based on fully trimmed and painted body/chassis units produced by Jensen in West Bromwich. The first 100s ("BN1"), were equipped with the same 90 hp (67 kW) engines and manual transmission as the stock A90 but the transmission was modified to be a three speed unit with overdrive on second and top. The 2660 cc engine featured an undersquare 87.3 mm (3.4 in) bore and 111.1 mm (4.4 in) stroke.
Girling 11 in (279.4 mm) drum brakes are fitted all round. Front suspension is independent using coil springs and at the rear is a rigid axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. The steering is by a cam and lever system.
These were built from summer 1953, and replaced by the BN2 model in 1955.
The BN2 came with a real 4-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive. Other features that distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, different rear axle and being the first 100 with optional two tone paint. The colour alternatives available to the 100 were: Reno Red, Spruce Green, Healey Blue, Florida Green, Old English White, Primrose Yellow, Black, and a limited number of Gunmetal Grey cars. A "100 M" (for Modified)package was developed as well, with 110 hp (82 kW) on tap. 1159 were made[2]. The front suspension was stiffened and the bonnet gained louvres, along with a bonnet belt. The 100M engine also sported a cold air box to increase air flow to the carburettors, as well as 1 3/4 SU carbs. Although the factory produced 100Ms, dealers were also able to offer 100M upgrades.
Another variety was the 55 aluminium-bodied "100S" (for Sebring) models with 132 hp (98 kW). The cast iron cylinder head was replaced by one made from aluminium and the overdrive unit was not fitted to the gearbox. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted front and rear. To keep weight to a minimum there were no bumpers or hood (convertible top), a smaller grille and the windscreen was plastic. The 100S was also the first production car in the world to sport disc brakes at both the front and rear [3]. The car was approximately 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than standard. 37 100S models are believed to have survived. The majority of all 100S were two-toned white with blue sides. However, a handful of cars where ordered in Spruce Green, Reno Red and one single black 100S.[2]
A BN1 tested by The Motor magazine in 1953 had a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km/18.7 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £1063 including taxes.[4]
[edit] 100-6 (BN4 and BN6)
| BN4 100-6 | |
|---|---|
 1958 Austin-Healey 100 Roadster |
|
| Production | 1956-1959 14,436 produced[2] |
| Successor | Austin-Healey 3000 |
| Engine(s) | 2639 cc C-Series I6 |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm)[1] |
| Length | 157.5 in (4,000 mm)[1] |
| Width | 60 in (1,524 mm)[1] |
The final "100" models, 1956's "BN4" (2+2 seats) and 1958's "BN6" (2 seats) were six-cylinder 100-6 cars.
To make room for the occasional seats the wheelbase was increased by 2 in (50.8 mm). The bonnet had a built in air scoop and the windscreen no longer could be folded down.
The cars used a tuned version of the BMC C-Series engine previously fitted to Austin Westminster which at first produced 102 bhp increasing to 117 bhp in 1957.[2] The overdrive unit became an option rather than a standard fitting.
In late 1957 production was transferred from Longbridge to the MG plant at Abingdon.[2]
[edit] References
- Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- ^ a b c d e f Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge Books. ISBN 1-9541063-9-3.
- ^ Lawrence, Mike. A to Z of Sports Cars 1945-1990. Bideford: Bay View Books, 1991
- ^ "The Austin-Healey "Hundred" Road Test" (September 16 1953). The Motor.
[edit] External links
- Austin-Healey Club USA
- www.healeydata.com Volunteer register with records and photos of the 100
