Lot 347: 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MkI Roadster

A development of the preceding 100/6 rather than a genuinely new model, the Austin-Healey 3000 was launched in March 1959. The two cars looked virtually identical and under the skin was the same separate ladder-type chassis and independent front/live rear axle suspension. Improvements to the 3000 included a slightly enlarged (to 2,912cc) version of the C-Series six-cylinder engine and Girling disc brakes up front, a development greeted with enthusiasm by devotees of this muscular British sports car. Breathing through twin SU carburettors, the revised power unit produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm; top speed - with the optional hardtop fitted - increased to 115mph, with 60mph reachable in a little over 11 seconds. Like the 100/6, the 3000 was available in two-seater (BN7) and 2+2 (BT7) guises. Introduced in 1961, the MkII was the last available as a two-seater - the 2+2 option had for years been the more popular - and in Convertible form brought improved practicality courtesy of a fixed foldaway hood and winding windows.
The 3000 MkIII with more-powerful (148bhp) engine appeared early in 1964, to be followed later in the year by the Phase II version with revised rear suspension. Top speed was now 121mph and the 0-60 time dipped below 10 seconds. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the big Healey remained as popular as ever, though increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant its days were numbered, production ceasing in December 1967. Arguably the fastest rally car of its day, the rugged and powerful 3000 achieved numerous class and international wins throughout the 1960s and remains a potent force in historic rallying today.
A BT7 2+2 model, this Austin-Healey 3000 MkI was acquired for the Alman Collection and exported to Greece in December 2005. The car is offered with (copy) partial Swansea V5 document.