1958 Austin Healey 100/6M BN6

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At Hilton & Moss we are delighted to bring this significant Austin Healey 100/6 BN6 to the market.


Ordered specifically by Ken Rudd from the Donald Healey Motor company for its first owner, a Mr. C.W Andrews, this ‘Big Healey’ is a rare 100/6 ‘M’ specified in competition form from the factory.


The ‘M’, as verified within the history file, was supplied in competition form from the factory with a number of upgrades made by the ‘Works’. 

Founded in 1945 Ruddspeed soon developed a reputation for converting and uprating a range of cars for both road and circuit and with the arrival of the new 6 cylinder, 2.6 litre ‘Big Healey’, Rudd was keen to set about modifying and improving this as well. As a competent engineer and racing driver himself, Ken was ideally placed to improve these already quick cars and 6183 BP represents one of the earliest known ‘Ruddspeed’ Healeys.


This Austin Healey was no exception and the modifications installed by his team made 6183 BP a competitive race car. These modifications included but were not limited to;

  • Four wheel Dunlop disc brakes
  • Racing free flow side exit exhaust
  • Ruddspeed inlet manifolds with triple SU carburetors
  • Uprated suspension including anti-roll bars
  • Engine modifications which improved power to a stated 170bhp for competition use
  • 'Derrington' steering wheel


Upon completion of the vehicle by Ruddspeed it immediately began its life of motorsport; pictured in advert at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1959. The car made numerous appearances at Goodwood in period whilst still being used at one stage daily for general use by Mr. Andrews. Events included the 36th Goodwood Members meeting on the 27th June 1959. By late 1959 the car was further improved, fitted were the enlarged pistons and rods now available from the newly introduced Austin Healey 3000, taking the engine capacity to 2,912cc. Correspondence and race entry details on file confirms the specification and races entered.


As the car sits today it has been comprehensively restored to a near concours show finish in its factory Ivory white over red trim by the talented team at CKL Developments. The restoration included the full preparation, gapping and paint to the all-aluminum bodywork, running gear and engine full overhaul and interior retrim. The car was built and then developed to a very competitive race specification whilst also not being over harsh for road use. In its current ‘aero screen’ format the car competed in the 2024 Goodwood Revival Fordwater Trophy driven by Tim Crighton and crossed the line in first place but subsequently finished second due to ‘red flag countback’. A race immortalised by the Goodwood Revival TV coverage making the car famous around the world.


Supplied with the vehicle is a freshly retrimmed soft top roof and frame, a full front windscreen and side screens making the option for road use a very simple and straight forward transition. The current seating remains the original padded 100/6 seats offering comfort and the car is still fitted with its freshly trimmed carpet set and heater system further aiding general non motorsport use if desired.


In 2025 the car competed at the GRRC Spring Sprint finishing second in class B, competing on its period correct Dunlop tyres with stiff competition using very grippy semi-slick tyres.


The car is also supplied with both a road and race set of tires, various roll cage configurations and varying spare parts.


The result is the perfect British sports car that can be used on both the circuit or back lanes of the countryside. If desired the car could easily be developed further solely for racing or become the perfect ‘pub run racer’ with the windscreen and soft top roof refitted.


This combination of the ultra-rare ‘M’ specification from Healey Works together with it being, one of, if not the first Ruddspeed Healey ensure 6183 BP is considered amongst the finest competition Big Healeys, making it highly eligible for some of the most prestigious competition events including Goodwood Revival where it is a multiple invitee. It may well be the finest restored Austin Healey in existence with restoration and development invoices totaling in excess of £180,000 (excluding the purchase of the car). Certainly it has ensured it is one of the best detailed historic competition cars in any paddock.


The car retains a detailed history file documenting the restoration, maintenance, development and history of the car with race entries and historic race day programs displaying the cars entries. Incredibly eligible and proven this 100/6 ‘M’ would make the perfect addition to any collection and is available for immediate viewing and demonstration at our Bishops Stortford showrooms.


Restoration Specification Highlights

  • Full aluminum body and restored chassis in the factory Ivory white
  • Full interior retrim in the factory red leather
  • Race specification engine (Steel crank and rods, forged pistons, aluminum sump, rally/race camshaft and rocker-gear)
  • Rebuilt gearbox with Sebring close ratio gears and competition overdrive wired to the gear lever
  • New Powerlok rear LSD differential
  • Twin Facet pumps
  • Long range fuel tank
  • Uprated anti-roll bars
  • Oil cooler
  • Rebuilt triple SU carburetor setup
  • All brightwork restored
  • Full wiring loom
  • Suspension overhauled and coated
  • Braking system overhauled
  • Heating and cooling system overhauled
  • All fixings and hardware renewed or restored
  • 10x new wheels