1958 Austin Healey 100/6

The vendor bought this example in 2008 from an enthusiast in Angus, Scotland. “I’d always had a passion for cars and driving,” she recalls. “I did many off road skills competitions, a number of rallies and even raced at Silverstone – the latter mainly in Minis”.

It was therefore a natural progression, as soon as she could afford it, to owning her own classic car. “It had no hood when I bought it, so I had a red one made, together with sliding side windows – you have to in Scotland!”

The car is an original Scottish-delivered example and has been used purely for pleasure, mostly with a group of friends who are fellow enthusiastic vintage and classic car owners and largely based in Scotland.

“Overall, the engine and bodywork are in very good original condition, but some of the interior fabric trims could do with some minor tidying up. The photos of the car are a true record of its current condition.

“Driving it is, and has been, a great pleasure. It is fast, handles well and has a rather pleasing gentle growl. Regretfully, I’m selling it as I will be 80 on my next birthday and feel my everyday Smart car is more suited to my current needs.

“I am very sad it’s going, but I think that someone else should now have the use of, and pleasure from, it”.

As indicated, the end of the vendor's relationship with the Healey is now upon us, but that does mean that this nicely looked after example of a 100/6 is now ready for adventures with a new custodian.

Could that be you?

It is presented in perhaps the Austin Healey’s raciest hue: bright red. It’s an arresting sight and suits the model’s svelte roadster lines to a tee; even more so, as it’s allied to a matching red hood and, as you can see, a matching-coloured interior.

The paintwork is in first class condition with very few blemishes and is aided and abetted by panels that still line up very well. Brightwork is generally sparkling, especially the front and rear bumpers. There’s a touch of pitting to the front grille but it’s only discernible if you get up close and personal.

Full weather equipment is included, with the hood, side screens and tonneau cover ordered new when the vendor took delivery of the car back in 2008. She paid Classic Autosports the princely sum of £1899.93 on the 12th of September, and you will find all the above items still in very decent condition.

Are there exterior items to sharpen up? Well, the tyres are a mismatched mix of old and new rubber, branded and budget. We’d suggest the next owner ditches them and heads down to his or her favourite tyre emporium for a fresh set of boots.

The red interior makes a good first impression with its red leather bucket seats, piped cream, up front, and small matching +2s in the rear. They’re in generally fine fettle with just a little surface graze here and there – nothing that a good feed shouldn’t be able to improve. Lap belts are fitted front and rear, making the latter usable should you wish to give the grandkids, or extra small guests, an occasional blast.

The glass on each of the quartet of chrome-rimmed, white-faced Smiths dials retains a high degree of clarity. Above them, you will find the dashboard top is free from shrinkage or cracking.

The driver’s door card has some oily marks towards its lower extremity, but these may clean up with a touch of TLC. Carpets are generally good; those covering the centre column are smart, with those in each footwell a bit more aged. While the thin slither of carpet that sits between the metal sill and inner sill covers has worn through on the driver’s side, but there are no such worries on the other side.

A fresh set of carpets could be a good investment as it will snazz interior matters up a touch in an instant; similarly, you could simply run it as is… the choice is yours.

The vendor says that the car has been maintained well, by a range of local classic specialists. As we alluded to in our introduction, in her opinion it provides a very satisfying Austin Healey experience.

Pop the bonnet and you will find a clean engine bay. The six-cylinder engine, twin SU carburettors and cooling system are all free from any evidence of leaks. The electrical wiring and brake pipes are all nice and tidy, although a hint of overspray on some of the latter indicate that the car has been repainted – its original colour, as indicated on a Heritage Certificate (see History Highlights section, below) being Primrose Yellow and Black.

The underside looks to be in excellent health with no apparent visual evidence of any surface corrosion; instead, you will find nicely solid body coloured metal. It’s definitely worth taking your time to look at the accompanying photos in our Gallery, to confirm it for yourself.

The Healey comes with a comprehensive paperwork file detailing its mechanical maintenance. It also includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate detailing its factory specification, important numbers, optional extras and destination. These are as follows:

• Chassis number – BN4-S/56661
• Engine number – 26D-U-H/56661
• Body number – 7688
• Colour – Primrose Yellow and Black
• Trim – Yellow
• Date(s) built – 27-30 January 1958
• Date despatched – 10 February 1958
• Destination – Carlaw Cars Limited, Glasgow
• Optional extras – disc wheels, tubeless tyres, laminated windscreen, overdrive, heater

The Healey’s file also includes a V5c document indicating a total of six owners from new. You will also find several manuals including an Austin Healey Owner’s Handbook and one for tuning the twin SU carburettors.

Finally, a recent online vehicle check (which shows nothing untoward) is also present.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to an excellent standard.

It’s a lovely thing to find a classic car that remains in its original market. This Scottish-delivered Austin Healey 100/6 provides exactly that and remains in alluring condition to boot. Yes, it can be improved, but if you’re starting with a good ‘un then that should be a pleasure.

The vendor will be sad to say goodbye to a car that she’s enjoyed for the best part of 15 years, but it is time for someone else to enjoy the pleasure of having it in their garage.

Wonderfully evocative, delivered new to Scotland and presented in a racy colour scheme, we’ve no doubt that this little fifties firecracker will present its next owner with a thoroughly enjoyable six-cylinder Austin Healey experience.

We estimate that this car will sell for between £30,000-£40,000, but is offered at no reserve, so will be on sale from the very first bid.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Edinburgh, Scotland. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.