Lot 058: Austin-Healey 3000 MkI

Launched to rave reviews in 1959, the 'Big Healey' has gone on to become perhaps the most iconic and sought after of all the hairy-chested British sportscars of the 1960s. Particularly popular on the North American market, the Austin-Healey 3000 introduced a number of improvements to the already successful 100-6. The change of model name heralded the more powerful 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine whose 124bhp propelled the car to a top speed of nearly 120mph.Other improvements included front disc brakes, wire wheels as standard, and a choice of either 2 seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) body styles. Options included a detachable hardtop roof and overdrive transmission. The 3000 MkI remained in production until the arrival of the MkII in 1961.First registered in January 1961, this MkI BT7 had one owner for 40 years before being acquired by the current vendor in 2006. On display at the Park Hall Motor Museum in Oswestry for many years, the car has recently been recommissioned for the road with a brake overhaul, new water pump and all new rubbers in the hydraulic system (brakes, wheel cylinders and clutch). We are told that the car now drives very well and was extensively used last summer. It has the desirable overdrive gearbox which is said to work well, and comes with a hood and tonneau cover. Apart from a respray in its original blue about ten years ago, the car is said to be largely original and unrestored and still retains its nice original number plate, 161 APO. MOTd and taxed until September 2008, it is ready to drive away today.