Description
Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 BT7
This is a rare opportunity to buy an unrestored, very low mileage, fantastic driving 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 1 BT7, that has been owned by our family since 1961 and is now available on the open market for the first time. A numbers-matching car with meticulous mechanical upkeep, original buff logbook and invoices for over £25000 on maintenance and period upgrades over the last 14 years. Supplied new with overdrive and Works hardtop. Much work carried out by the Healey specialists, Orchard Restorations, who noted in road tests how it is the best driving Healey they have had the pleasure of working on.
There are many invoices for work and upgrades in the large history file, too numerous to list, with some of the more important/ interesting ones listed below.
Rebuilt engine including fast road cam, lead-free cylinder head, lightweight fan, 2016 Orchard Restorations.
Rebuilt gearbox with change of ratios to ‘Sebring’ spec, rebuilt overdrive many new parts- accumulator piston, cone clutch, bearings etc., reconditioned radiator, heavy duty clutch kit fitted, 2013 Orchard Restorations.
Electronic ignition
Silicone water hoses
Mitsuba water pump
Aeroquip brake hoses, 4 pot front callipers, new servo, master cylinder brake/ clutch, new discs
Carburettors rebuilt by Southern Carburettors
Panhard rod [rear anti-roll] and upgraded roll bar.
Replacement period correct seat belts fitted by Quickfit Safety Belt Service.
New rear springs with uprated rear shock absorbers. Retro-trip distance meter fitted and calibrated, Cobra seats trimmed red with red piping. [2012]
6 branch manifold with big bore exhaust, alloy rocker cover.
Rebuilt and strengthened front suspension [as per works cars].
Alternator kit and negative earth.
There are many more invoices detailing regular servicing and upkeep etc.
Bodywork shows lots of patina that you would expect from an unrestored 64 year old car.
The first registered owner in the original buff logbook supplied is Donald Healey, Motor Co. Ltd, on 21st January 1960. It was purchased soon after from the Donald Healey Works by Colonel Mason of the 3rd American Airforce based at South Ruislip. It was supplied in left hand drive for export to his United States home when his UK service was over. It was looked after and serviced by our engineer grandfather, [Jim], at his garage W. F. Parr and Sons in Harrow Weald. When Mason was unexpectedly posted to Germany in April 1961, he cancelled the planned export back to the USA and instead sold it to Jim [all noted in the buff logbook]. At this point it was sent back to the works to be converted to right hand drive, and Jim also requested they fit the MK 2 grill to update its appearance. The Healey was used regularly in the early to mid 1960’s, the mileage remaining low as it was part of an extensive collection of vehicles. The original registration 4493NX was subsequently replaced with the current registration ESV779 in 1984, when the mileage had reached 20099. From this period until 2006, it again saw extremely light use, backed up by MOT records 1984, 1992-2002. ESV was passed to Jim’s son in this time, and then to his son-in-law, the current owner, in 2004. At that point it was judged that a thorough recommissioning was needed, and this was achieved over the following years including numerous sympathetic upgrades to produce a very well sorted car, set up for reliable classic touring. By 2006 mileage was at 22210 and this steadily grew each year to 45177 miles by 2018, backed up by MOT’s. Mileage is currently 46240, this will increase as still in use.
The original steel wheels, hubcaps, seats and steering wheel are all included in the sale, as are some touring spares including new alternator. Supplied new with the rare works hard top, which is in good original condition and an excellent addition to the folding soft top, side screens and tonneau cover, all in good condition. We also have the original owners’ manual and work shop manual. Also some very interesting photos including in use during family holidays in the early ‘60’s. The 5 steel wheels are still wearing their original Dunlop Road Speed RS4 tyres. The Healey has been garaged from new, and the overdrive functions perfectly. Current owner has worked closely with Hill, Moss, Clark, Von Trips etc., hence the Von Trips team decal on nearside wing, easily removed if not to new owner’s taste. She just completed a 230 mile trip from London to Devon, performing perfectly as usual and more than able to keep up with modern traffic.
ESV779 has been a part of the family for 63 years and it is now sadly time to let her go.
In summary an uprated but unrestored Healey, that drives extremely well for its type and age.
We are open to sensible offers. History from new, as we have owned since 1961. Buff logbook with Donald Healey first name. Old Mots, photos from our family holidays in the Healey from the early 1960's. All bills / invoices for upgrades and maintenance. One family owned since 1961. All original parts/ accessories included. Garaged since new, rare unrestored car. Please read description for more detailed history.
