Description
The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967, and is the best known of the “big” Healey models. The car’s body was manufactured by Jensen Motors, and the vehicles were assembled at BMC’s Abingdon facility. The 3000 was a successful car that won its class in many European rallies in its heyday – and it is still used in competition by enthusiasts today.
The original Austin Healey 3000 had a 2912 cc (nearly 3 liter) I6 engine, with twin SU carburetors and Girling front disc brakes. It was not designated as the Mark I until after the release of the Mark II, which was previously known only as the 3000. Steel wheels, overdrive transmission, laminated windshield, heater, adjustable steering column, removable hardtop and two-tone paint were all available as options. The original 3000 was built from March 1959 to March 1961 and carries the model designation BT7 MkI (4-seater version) and BN7 MkI (2-seater).
A BT7 3000 with hardtop and overdrive tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 185 km/ h and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11. 7 seconds.
Introduced in March 1961, the 3000 Mk II was equipped with three SU HS4 carburetors and an improved camshaft. It was designated BT7 MkII (4 seats version) and BN7 MkII (2 seats version). The 3 carburetor version is easily recognizable with its vertical bar grille. If the power reaches 132hp, the important extra cost generated by this configuration and the necessity of a perfect mechanical tuning will discourage the network which will propose this ultimate version only one year: collector assured (+/- 900 copies produced)!
This example is a MkII BT7 converted into a BJ8. Originally from Switzerland, it was restored in Switzerland from the chassis and then at Marreyt Classic. Purchased in 2004 by the current owner, it has covered 7, 000km in 20 years. It is in irreproachable condition.
