Description
To talk about this Austin Healey 3000, we first need to talk about its owner: Mr L. is a mechanical engineer in an English Formula 2 racing team, where he spent a large part of his career, rubbing shoulders with many of the leading figures in British motor sport at the time, such as Duncan Hamilton and other famous racers, which led to some unlikely anecdotes during our discussions... At the same time, Mr L is friends with Donald Healey's descendants and has a passion for the brand. Over the years, he owned several models (including one of the rare 'BN3s' made that never officially existed, now in Australia). Mr L completed his last three restorations in the 2000s, starting with this 3000 MKI, followed by a 100/ 4 BN2 and a 3000 MKII (Pat Moss replica). These three vehicles are still in his possession. For 20 years, he used them very regularly, and long journeys did not frighten him because he personally and meticulously rebuilt and maintained the mechanics of each of his cars. Today, forced to return to England after 17 years spent in France, it is not without emotion that he is parting with his collection. The 3000 MKI came off the production line on 10 June 1959, ordered in left-hand drive for an English customer leaving to live in the USA. When Mr L bought the car in 2000, it was a real find. The car was completely dismantled and restored to its original configuration in accordance with the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate. It was restored to 'matching colours and numbers' in the following configuration: Ivory White / red leather interior / black soft top. The certificate also confirmed the options of spoked wheels, overdrive, heating, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and higher speed index tyres.
The restoration was completed in December 2002, when the car was registered 'UAS 204' and started its first season in 2003. Later, Mr L and his wife moved to France, taking the 3 Healeys with them. In 2011, the car received French registration and a collector's licence. Today, it is a car in perfect working order. The engine roars at the first press of the starter button, and the brakes bite. The Mastervac has recently been replaced. The gears shift well and the overdrive works like a charm. The interior is in excellent condition, as are the soft top and tonneau cover. The paintwork has a few blemishes, which seems perfectly normal for a car that has been driven regularly for the last 20 years. The chrome is in very good condition. Overall, a car with an even patina that's just waiting to be driven. The car is available for sale by appointment. Preferential telephone contact.
