Lot 620: 1959 Austin Healey 3000 MkI Rally Replica

“A classic competition car among the all-time greats in motoring history,” was how The Autocar magazine summed up the works Austin-Healey 3000 in 1963. Yet at the time of its arrival in 1959, few would have guessed that the low-slung ‘Big Healey’ would triumph over its apparent shortcomings so effectively that it now rates as one of the most successful rally cars of the 1960s.

Robust and tuneable, the Big Healey was immensely popular with privateers in its time, and today, almost 40 years after the end of production, continues to be extensively campaigned in historic motor sport, both in tarmac events and on the rough stuff. Replicas of the works rally cars are among the most sought-after variants, and an extensive cottage industry of recognised specialists exists to cater for the demand for Big Healey parts, servicing and competition preparation.

The origins of this faithful replica of an early BMC works Austin-Healey 3000 rally car are not known, but the vehicle does incorporate a number of very rare and highly desirable genuine works parts. ‘HBT7/13749’ is a 1959 chassis number, and the vehicle has an early works engine, ‘XSP 2188-1’. This car has triple HD8 SU carburettors on long works-type manifolds, steel front wings, aluminium alloy bonnet, steel doors and rear wings, works-type boot lid and a 100/6-type side change gearbox. Other noteworthy features include works-type scuttle scoops, works-type oil cooler, interior to early works specification and reinforced front suspension and engine mounts. Presented in apparently good overall condition, the vehicle represents a rare opportunity to acquire an accurate replica of a works Austin-Healey 3000 rally car, incorporating a large number of highly desirable genuine works components, at a fraction of its total build costs today. Offered without documents.