Description
A renowned engineer and racing driver, Donald Healey made his debut as a manufacturer in 1948 with a coupé (Elliot) and a roadster (Westland) powered by a 2. 4-litre Riley engine. This was followed in 1951 by the Nash-Healey, a roadster powered by a six-cylinder engine (of which only 253 were built). But Donald Healey's dream was to build a high-performance roadster at an affordable price, which would ensure its wider distribution.
The great adventure began in 1952 at the London Motor Show, where the Healey 100 was one of the stars of the show. Designed by Gerry Coker and built by Ticford, this prototype borrowed its engine from the Austin A 90. Donald Healey soon signed an agreement with the British Motor Corporation, and the car became the Austin Healey. Equipped with a 2663cc four-cylinder engine developing 90bhp, the model (BN1 series) was essentially designed for export. In August 1954, a sporty version with 4 disc brakes appeared, the 100-S, whose 132 bhp were obtained thanks to a cylinder head prepared at Westlake. The Austin Healey 100 also underwent its first evolution in 1955 (BN2 series) with the adoption of the Morris Minor rear axle and a four-speed gearbox. A more powerful variant, the 100 M, saw its engine increased to 110 bhp. The following year marked a turning point in the evolution of the Austin Healey with the appearance of the first six-cylinder model: the 100 Six (BN4 series), whose 2, 639 cm3 (102 bhp) engine was based on the Austin A-105 Westminster. Its elongated body made it a 2+2. A variant of its predecessor, the 100 Six BN6 series returned to a two-seater body in 1958. In July 1959, the Austin Healey 3000 was born, the first model of a new generation whose six-cylinder engine was increased to three litres (124 bhp). Fitted as standard with front disc brakes, the car was available as a two-seater roadster (BN7 series) and a 2+2 (BT7 series). In 1961, the 3000 MkII was fitted with three SU HS4 carburettors, increasing power to 132 bhp.
The 'Big Healey' was one of the most successful examples of British design. Racy and subtly aggressive in a highly homogeneous package, it is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. On the road, the car expresses the generosity of its powertrain, which, while lacking in sophistication, nonetheless displays remarkable sporting qualities. It didn't take long for BMC's Competition department to get its hands on the 3000. It was an instant success: Pat Moss finished second in the 1959 Rally Germany, runner-up in the 1960 Alps and winner of the arduous Rome-Liège-Rome rally that same year. This was followed by numerous rally successes: Don and Erle Morley's domination of the Tulip Rally from 1962 to 1965, then Alpine triumphs in 1961 and 62. Rauno Aaltonen's victory at Spa-Sofia-Liège in 1964.
On the track, the 3000 was homologated as a true GT in 1960, with a hardtop, 25-gallon fuel tank and disc brakes. Often destined for endurance racing, several Healey 3000s went on to shine in international races such as Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Our Austin Healey 3000 MKIII was delivered new in 1966. In the hands of its current owner for over 30 years, it has always been perfectly maintained, and has just been serviced. The bewitching sound of its Harper engine and its incredible patina will seduce you and make it the ideal car for your next sunny rally (or not)...
