Austin-Healey 100
The Austin -Healey 100 is a 1953 to 1959 by the BMC built the brand Austin -Healey Roadster. For the London Motor Show in 1952 Donald Healey built a single Healey 100 Its design impressed the British Motor Corporation, the owner of the Austin Motor Company, so much so that you could produce 100 to the Austin -Healey decided.
In contrast to the Austin -Healey 3000, which got its name because of its 3000 cc engine, this was named after its top speed. The Austin -Healey 100 was one of the few vehicles (160 km / h) to ride in a position constant speed of 100 miles an hour.
History
The first Austin -Healey 100 ( BN1 ) were assembled in the BMC factory in Longbridge, the chassis came from the Jensen factory in West Bromwich. The aim was to build up to 100 copies per week. They had a 67 kW (90 hp) 4- cylinder engine with a three-speed manual transmission and an optional overdrive for the second and third gear. The price was cheap 750 pounds. A Jaguar XK120 cost for comparison 1130 pounds.
As of August 1955, further improvements were made which resulted in the revised BN2 model. The three-speed gearbox was replaced by a four-speed transmission, still with overdrive. Also, the Austin - Healey typical two-tone paint was introduced with the new version. Optional was a 100M version with a more powerful 82 kW ( 110 hp ) engine, available. A further increase marked the 100S ( Sebring International Raceway ) version. This had a 98 kW ( 132 hp ) engine. For a minimizing weight aluminum chassis has been built and waives bumpers. Furthermore, the radiator has been reduced, and the windshield is replaced by a synthetic variant. In total, this resulted in a weight saving of 91 kg. At the front and rear axle, the new Dunlop Sport disc brakes were used.
In a test by The Motor in 1953 a top speed of 106 mph (171 km / h) was measured. The test model accelerated from 0 to 100 in 11.2 seconds and then consumed 12.6 liters per 100 km. Including tax cost of 100/BN1 1063 pounds.
The last 100-6 models from 1956 were designated BN4 and BN6. The BN4 was a 2 2 seater, unlike the BN6. To make room for the additional seats, the wheelbase has been extended by 50 mm, the engine was replaced by a 6- cylinder MBC C engine. The transmission has not been delivered from the factory with overdrive, but this was still available as an option. In 1957, the production of Longbridge was moved in since MG factory in Abingdon. Was set up production in 1959 in favor of the Austin -Healey 3000, ( 100-4 and 100-6 ) were built in total 15826 copies.