The Austin-Healey 100 launched in 1953, born from a partnership between Donald Healey and BMC. Built on a rigid steel ladder frame, the purist roadster ran on a 2,660 cc inline-four engine derived from the Austin Atlantic.
It earned its name by cracking the magic 100 mph mark, boasting a signature fold-down windscreen.The line evolved into the legendary Austin-Healey 3000 in 1959. This “Big Healey” swapped the four-pot for a punchy 2,912 cc C-Series straight-six engine and gained front disc brakes to manage the extra grunt.
Cultivating a muscular, “hairy-chested” reputation, the 3000 dominated international stage rallying before concluding production in 1967 as the luxurious, walnut-dashed Mark III.
Austin Healey 100/4
The purist roadster that started the legendary “Big Healey” lineage. Built across the 3-speed BN1 and 4-speed BN2 generations, it combined a rigid ladder frame with a torquey 2.6-litre Austin engine, delivering a genuine 100 mph top speed.
Years
1953-56
Engine
2660cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
14,012
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Austin Healey 100M
High-performance, factory-built homage to the brand’s success at Le Mans. Based on the BN2 platform, it was tuned to 110 bhp via larger carburettors and high-compression pistons.
Years
1955-56
Engine
2660cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
640
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Louvred bonnet
Austin Healey 100S
Stripped-out, aluminium-bodied car built specifically for competition. It featured a unique Weslake alloy cylinder head, boosting output to 132 bhp. The first production car to feature four-wheel disc brakes.
Years
1955
Engine
2660cc S4 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
50
Power: Weight
132 bhp
Dimensions
Austin Healey 100/6
Transformed the line by fitting a 2,639 cc BMC C-Series straight-six engine. Featuring a stretched wheelbase, a fixed windscreen, and a bonnet scoop, it initially produced 102 bhp, rising to 117 bhp with an upgraded cylinder head.
Years
1956-59
Engine
2639cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Roadster, Sports 2+2
Production
14,436
Power: Weight
102-117 bhp
Dimensions
Austin Healey 3000 Mk I
Larger 2,912 cc C-Series straight-six, delivering 124 bhp. Crucially, it introduced front disc brakes to handle the added performance, split across 2+2 (BN7) and two-seater (BT7) configurations.
Years
1959-61
Engine
2912cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Roadster, Sports 2+2
Production
13,650
Power: Weight
124 bhp
Dimensions
Austin Healey 3000 Mk II
More muscle via an uprated 132 bhp straight-six engine fed by distinctive triple SU carburettors. The final BJ7 variant (1962) reverted to dual carburettors for easier balancing, and introduced winding windows and a curved windscreen.
Years
1961-63
Engine
2912cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Sports 2+2
Production
11,563
Power: Weight
Dimensions
Convex grille
Austin Healey 3000 Mk III
The Mk III concluded the “Big Healey” era as the most powerful and luxurious variant. The BJ8, was tuned to 150 bhp via twin SU HD8 carburettors. The cabin was updated with a plush interior with a burled walnut dashboard.
Years
1963-68
Engine
2912cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Roadster
Production
16,321
Power: Weight
150 bhp
Dimensions