1959 Austin Healey 100-6 high speed drive!

[@henrybibb8991]

I thank you for this one. My first car was a 1959 100-6 with overdrive. That drive really brought back memories!

[@classicperformance]

Henry, I appreciate the comment and your interest they are just great cars!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Me too!...I owned one during the summer of 1969...unforgettable sounds and performance!..At the time, I did not know much about cars in general, and certainly did not know that my 59 had only a 2600cc engine...I guess when the 3000 models came out (when? 1959-60?) that 3000 referred to the increase in cc up to nearly that number. The 100-6 model seen here, did not have those rather silly back seats that the 3000 models had. The Austin-Healey clearly was meant to be a 2-seater, but I guess there was a 2+2 trend going on back then. Once you have owned a Healey, it seems the experience stays in your mind forever! My favorite year would be the 1963 3000, referred to often as the Mark ll model...it had 136hp, and amazingly, roll-up windows, for the first time!...But even better, it retained that old-school dash, with those large, pretty gauges...I do not like the cockpit area that the last series (64-67) offered. I felt that Austin-Healey designers were sort of trying to make the interior more "American-like", with the wood-grain treatment, and the somewhat smaller Tach and Speedo gauges. Of course, those final-run Healeys did have the 150hp upgraded engines...but they somehow used a more muted-sounding exhaust--not nearly as enjoyable as the older style muffler system! If I owned a last-gen Healey, I would modify that exhaust, to get back that sweet exhaust note...IMO, only the XKE had a comparable "macho sounding" exhaust!...Those British had something special going, with their excellent-sounding sixes!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I think we hear a "scrunch" sound when this guy was shifting from 1st to 2nd...That possible flaw in the synchros can be forgiven--no choice really!. Part of the charm of those wonderful cars had to do with the questionable reliability issues that would crop up from time to time. Does anyone know if it was possible to raise that car's suspension up, just an inch or two? To me, that was always a worry. The excellent sounding muffler setup was so low, I would worry, just going over a painted crosswalk!! Those Healeys were a handful to negotiate a twisty road with...but really, the car was just a "kinda-sorta" true sports car...Like some women, its looks did not actually live up to it's perceived potential! I picked up a couple of ladies, back in my youth, while driving around Seattle...I quickly learned, that they were "digging" the car--not me! lol.

[@marcob4630]

It was always the car of my dreams: still wonderful and well performing even today!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks! These cars are amazing even today. So capable of operating comfortably at today's highway speeds and negotiating traffic. We actually drove this car on the back roads from the Carolinas to Amelia Island, FLA last year for the Concours d’Elegance @350 miles each way without any issues whatsoever.

[@marcob4630]

What a precious experience! Great! Thanks for your answer @@classicperformance

[@classicperformance]

@@marcob4630 Most Welcome

[@marcob4630]

thanks! @@classicperformance

[@Chewygsxr]

I love the sound that it makes, I’ve always liked Healeys since I was a kid. The Fiesta Flash 🤙🏼🍺🍺

[@08cad]

I learned how to drive in my dad’s 59’ 3000 Healy! What memories that brings back!😊

[@classicperformance]

Great car to learn in!! My dad had a white Impala Wagon. Making up for lost time now I guess! 😉

[@geoffmower8729]

Now that is a great sounding car. I worked in my brothers crash shop in the late 70s and got to move one of these beauties around. The customer said it was for sale and I fell in love but at the time it was not practical enough. Many years latter the Healey's have gone through the roof and I ended up with the poor mans Healey the MGA.

[@classicperformance]

MGAs are great cars!!! See me MGA videos.

[@TheTrudeman]

I had a red one in 1968 and still have dreams about it.

[@classicperformance]

That would be Colorado Red if we recall correctly! Great cars, still even today. Thanks!

[@fargknob]

Owned one in 1967....last year BJ8....kick myself for ever selling it.....I'm sure we've all be there. Thanks for the vid

[@classicperformance]

Barry, I have kicked myself many times. Prices have gotten to the point of being out of the reach for entry level younger hobbiests. However, MGB prices and some others are a good way to get in at what I still consider bargain sports cars. We appreciate your interest and view!!!

[@ericellquist7007]

Nice to see and hear one of these beauties again. I had a '59 100-6, I paid $200 for in the early '70s. Due to the deteriorated material between the steel fenders and the aluminum body, and the dissimilar metals around the doors, it was very badly corroded. Drive train was fine, though. I don't know if there were changes on the '59 model, but it seems like the carburetors were on the passenger side in a cross flow configuration. It had no back seat. The batteries were under a hatch there, two six volts, though I don't remember whether it was a 6volt system or 12. Loved that car. The exhaust was a Stebro with the twin pipes exiting in front of the rear wheel. It had a top speed of about 90mph, and cornered like it was on rails. The corrosion got to the point of making it almost impossible for the passenger door to remain closed and I had to park it. The small town I lived in had no repair facilities for a car like that and I would have had to find a city that had a British car repair shop. It was eventually sold as a parts car to some collector. Mighty fine memories....

[@classicperformance]

thanks for sharing the story. All Healeys had dual side draft carbs. However the '62 BT7 was fitted with three side draft carbs but were on the left side of the engine. I am not familiar with Healeys that had right side carbs.

[@zambimaru]

Do the Transmissions on these have synchromesh?

[@classicperformance]

Yes they do!!! And electricly operated overdrive. But, often in older British cars and cars in general, many 1st gears were not and called a "crash box" transmission. You would have to come to a full stop, or double clutch for a 1st gear engagement.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

@@classicperformance I remember doing that!...but in some situations, one could start out in 2nd gear. It is not a major irritant, as the overall driving experience was so enjoyable!

[@buzzwaldron6195]

@@classicperformance - Crash box is no synchros on any gear...

[@classicperformance]

​@@buzzwaldron6195 Thanks, Buzz for the information, we stand corrected. Appreciate your support!

[@jamesfragomeni8287]

Nothing looks as good as a Healey 100

[@classicperformance]

Would have to agree 100 percent!!!

[@jamesfragomeni8287]

The bn7 and BN6 look the same...

[@jamesfragomeni8287]

From an BN6 owner, the center rib is one of my personal favs of the early 100/6 but, not all have it right?

[@rovercoupe7104]

That was brilliant, thank you. M.

[@classicperformance]

Most appreciative of your complement and interest in the content!! Thank you! More British cars to come soon!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

I owned a 1960 100/6 in 1973...never should have sold it. BTW, I paid $400 on a salvage title for it...and drove it for a year.

[@classicperformance]

Great cars! You can still buy another, however, I feel the $600 price point today won't get much. Thanks for the view and and comment!

[@trevorparker8686]

I spent the first five years of my life riding around in the back of one of those it was a 1957. Now l have a BN1 and 2. Please get a camera mount, too nice of a car to be driving around with one hand. Cheers🇨🇦👍🍻

[@classicperformance]

Nice to hear!! Yea, I do have a camera mount and I agree. I used it on the red MGA but was worried about wind noise.

[@trevorparker8686]

I was surprised how little wind noise there was when you held the camera above the windshield, one of the better Healey Drive videos I have seen. I hope you get more cars to drive. Cheers👍🇨🇦🍻

[@classicperformance]

@@trevorparker8686 Yea I was surprised too. I had a foam encapsulating wind screen around the GoPro. I have also enhanced audio pro tools now for better audio settings. We'll be driving a lot more cars! Subscribe and turn on notifications. Got some domestic classics and some British classics to come. Super nice MG TF soon too! Thanks for viewing!

[@ccjensen4670]

I owned a 59 3000 with a built 289" Ford engine and Ford 4 speed. Spun the splines out of the wire wheels and installed 14" Buick rims..too light in the front and squirrely on mountain roads...😊

[@classicperformance]

289 would be great in one of these! I could see the splines stripping out. Cool story.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

IMO...people trying to make this British cruiser into a one-off Cobra was pointless, really. I had a 66 Mustang convertible with the 289...that engine sounded great, after I put duals on it. But those classic Healeys sounded great, without modifications.

[@classicperformance]

@@curbozerboomer1773 We agree with you!!! and enjoy them just as they were designed! Thanks for your interest!

[@bryanhussey3922]

The Healy 100 and 3000 were incredible cars. Why anyone would even consider changing the engine to a 289 blows me away. Oh, I'm sorry you must be American.

[@classicperformance]

@@bryanhussey3922 We agree. Teh 6cyl is so much more appealing and speaks to originality. Get a Sunbeam Tiger if one really wants a V8. :)

[@Olscotia1]

Is this for sale?

[@classicperformance]

Possibly so. Still have it.

[@axiomist4488]

You shouldn't let off on the gas to turn on the overdrive. Just keep your foot on the gas and hit the switch .

[@taxicamel]

I'm not so sure "You shouldn't let off on the gas to turn on the overdrive" is really important. I am referring to the word "shouldn't", as if there is a "CORRECT" way or "INCORRECT" way of using the overdrive. Decades ago, when a situation arose and there was another sports car beside me that wanted to "race" off a stop light, I activated the overdrive immediately when I changed to second gear. When the OD could overcome the engine torque, at perhaps some RPM like maybe 4,000, or beyond, the OD would engage and the car would lurch ahead. If the car beside me, .....was able to be beside me, or close .....it wasn't anymore😎 , and I would do a quick change to 3rd and disengage the OD simultaneously. This all happened over about 4 seconds. Lots of fun .....usually surprising whoever was beside me ....back in the day. I didn't bother with MG's, but TR6's were always fun to play with. .

[@billman5379]

@@taxicamel It's not about "correct" and "incorrect". It's about what works better. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZK9imehbcR2ntk where Jay Leno demonstrates the better way to engage overdrive.

[@axiomist4488]

@@billman5379 If you dont believe me, ask the engineer who builds those ODs. Since theyre probably dead, check the car's handbook. Jay Leno is NOT the god of overdrives . His specialty is telling jokes .

[@Channel-os4uk]

Graunchy gearbox in 1st and 2nd

[@classicperformance]

Sure is. It's a bit sloppy.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Come to Los Angeles... I'll show you traffic!

[@classicperformance]

Have been there many times out of LAX and Orange County and driven all over in rental cars. I'll stay put! Appreciate your interest and views!

[@ronschwolsky1626]

@@classicperformance BTW, great video…, I really enjoyed it.

[@bertiewooster3326]

Come to the UK chum if you want traffic people rain cold wind immigrants crap Government etc well beat you any day !

[@j.m.2904]

Sinnvoller ist den Overdrive erst ab 80 km/h einzusetzen

[@classicperformance]

Sie haben Recht, der Overdrive wird eigentlich nur für Autobahngeschwindigkeiten über 80 km benötigt. Vielen Dank für Ihr Interesse aus Deutschland, JM!

[@stinkintoad]

Sounds similar to my 76 tr6.

[@classicperformance]

Love a TR-6 and I feel the Triumph 6cyl is a bit smoother. Check out the original TR6 I had!!! You'll have to scroll back into the videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roOxdKxpe9p5naM

[@rk22cc]

give more beans!

[@classicperformance]

Yes, more Beans!

[@malikabey]

Seems like he operated a mobile device while driving.

[@classicperformance]

It sure does appear that way, hmmm

[@taxicamel]

I hope you don't think he really cares. He doesn't know the difference between a motor and an engine. That should tell you something.

[@ingoluneburg14]

Sorry, beim ersten Blick ganz nett der Wagen. Dennoch ist es beim zweiten Blick nicht mehr als ein Replik. Fast nichts mehr Original. Schande! Beckgurte nicht Original. Motor nicht Original. Bremsen nicht Original. Motor nicht Original. Persenning nicht Original. Armaturen rechts nicht Original. 😢

[@classicperformance]

Whatever, dude. Does it really matter if it has been modified to better drivability? Check out my two MGAs with with 1800 MGB motors and one has an MGB OD trans and alternator if you really want to start crying! Wie auch immer, Alter. Spielt es wirklich eine Rolle, ob es für ein besseres Fahrverhalten modifiziert wurde? Schauen Sie sich meine beiden MGAs mit 1800-MGB-Motoren an, und einer hat ein MGB-OD-Getriebe und eine Lichtmaschine, wenn Sie wirklich anfangen wollen zu weinen!

[@johnwick2120]

Nice video old boy but whats with the nickers and flip-flops? When you drive a Sport Car you should wear mens clothes old Chap. At least look like a Driver when you climb in the Ruddy thing.

[@classicperformance]

Ha Ha, John Wick. The drive was for demonstration sake and was bloody warm out. When we drive we always wear correct and even period correct attire!! of course.

[@jefffloyd-dv9kx]

Dreadful mirror location

[@classicperformance]

We Agree....

[@michaelrizza6003]

Get a better camera

[@classicperformance]

We have upgraded since. Correct in that. This was shot a couple years ago. Things change and it's amazing how much better technology has gotten. See out latest uploads.

[@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb]

Very bad driiver

[@classicperformance]

@EmilioSanchez These cars were intended for spirited driving styles. It is obvious to us, you have not ever driven in NYC, Northern New Jersey, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago or Los Angles here is the USA. You will see bad driving examples there. You might also be interested to learn that this car has not been fitted with seat belts, so our driver was not wearing a seat belt during this very fine demonstration.

[@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb]

@@classicperformance I am talking about your hands on the steering wheel. Like a mother… 😔. Crossing the arm into the wheel. Very bad. You dont know drive quickly an sport car

[@JoeyJoJoJuniorShabbadoo]

@@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb he’s working the camera while driving so we can come along for the ride. This isn’t final lap at Spa, it’s a demo drive from a guy steering and shifting with one hand so you can watch. Not sure what your problem is, but you complain a mother.

[@EmilioSanchez-jq9eb]

@@JoeyJoJoJuniorShabbadoo your mother better, my friend

[@taxicamel]

Of course you are correct, Emilio. "Look at me driving 60mph down a winding country road, using my cell phone, using my OD, no seat-belts, ......aren't I great ......just listen to that "MOTOR". Don't spend too much time with this chap and his toys. Laws, rules, safety, basic vehicle knowledge, are of no interest.