Lot 453: 1961 Austin-Healey 3,000 MkII Rally Car

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 vendor purchased this left-hand drive 3,000 MkII from Cambridge Motorsport in September 1998 and entrusted that experienced firm with transforming what was then a standard road car into one suitable for competitive historic rallying. Using many parts supplied by recognised ‘Big Healey’ specialist Denis Welch, the engine has been up-rated and fitted with an aluminium cylinder head and triple twin-choke Weber carburettors, the gearbox euipped with a straight-cut, close ratio cluster (with overdrive on 3rd and top) and the brakes, suspension and steering upgraded appropriately. The bodywork has been extensively lightened with alloy panels, while works-type modifications include vented front wings, sliding side windows in Perspex, flat-top boot lid and glassfibre hardtop. (The original soft-top, steel body panels and a spare set of wire wheels are included in the sale). Other noteworthy features include alternator electrics, long-range fuel tank (foam filled), plumbed-in fire extinguishing system (engine bay and interior), 4-point Willans harnesses and Halda twin meter. Over the period 2000-2003 this car competed in numerous classic rallies including the Monte Carlo Winter Challenge, Pirelli Classic Marathon and Rallye des Chateaux, never failing to finish any of these demanding events. A potential winner in the right hands, this well prepared works-style Austin-Healey 3,000 rally car is offered with restoration invoices, current MoT and Swansea V5 document.