Austin Healey 100 BN2 (1956)Coordinates 43.4981437,12.1984174
Picture dated May 2009
This car is shown as an entrant in the 2009 Mille Miglia, with the team of Conca (IT) & Ricca (IT), chassis number BN 2/ 231322 and registration ESJ 607
The “Big Healeys” were built between 1952 and 1968. Developed by Donald Healey, bodies made by Jensen Motors were given Austin mechanical components at Austin's Longbridge factory. They were originally named “Austin-Healy 100” because they were designed to reach 100mph.
The first 100s (series "BN1") were equipped with the same 2660cc engines and manual transmission as the standard production Austin A90, but the transmission was modified to be a three-speed unit with overdrive on second and top. Girling 11 in (279.4 mm) drum brakes were fitted all round.
In 1955 the BN2 was intoduced with a real four-speed manual transmission, still with overdrive on the top two gears. Other features that distinguish the BN2 from the BN1 are the slightly larger front wheel arches, and being the first 100 with optional two-tone paint. A 100M le Mans edition was issued with a higher perfomance engine and slotted bonnet.
Built primarily with racing in mind, an aluminium-bodied "100S" (for Sebring) model was developed in . Only 50 production cars were made, plus an additional five works development/special test cars hand built by the Donald Healey Motor Company at Warwick.
In 1956, the 100-6 was released, a major redesign which saw the wheelbase lengthened, redesigned bodywork with an air intake on the bonnet, fixed windshield and two occasional seats added and the powertrain completely replaced by one based on the six-cylinder BMC C-Series engine.
In 1959, the engine capacity was increased from 2.6 to 2.9 litres and the car renamed the Austin-Healey 3000. Both 2-seat and 2+2 variants were offered. The 3000 was produced in three Marks and four model designations. Production continued until 1968, and accounted for about 60 per cent of all the Big Healeys produced.
For more information see here.
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