Lot 208: 1963 Austin Healey 3000 Mk.III Phase 2

The Austin Healey 3000 has endeared itself to enthusiasts the world over, not least for those who remember the sight and sound of this muscular British sports car roaring to spectacular success in international rallying. A development of the Austin Healey 100/6, itself born of the four cylinder 100, the 3000 was launched in March 1959. Like the 100/6, in either two seat BN7 or 2+2 BT7 guise, it used a simple but torsionally strong ladder frame chassis with Austin A90 independent coil spring/wishbone front suspension and a live leaf-sprung rear axle located by Panhard rod. Front disc brakes were fitted for the first time. Under the bonnet the 100/6's 2,639cc engine was enlarged to 2,912cc and, via twin SU carburettors, it produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm with an impressive 162lb.ft torque at 2,700rpm. Mated to a four-speed gearbox and capable of 110mph (116mph with overdrive) and 0-60mph in 11.4 seconds, the 3000 received much praise for effortless performance and fine handling. It wasn't long before the 3000 proved highly competitive in international rallying, displaying both pace and great strength on its 1959 Alpine Rally debut. It was a sign of things to come, Big Healeys scoring numerous successes with great drivers such as the Morley brothers, Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Peter Riley, Timo Makinen and Rauno Altonen. May 1961 saw the introduction of the Mk 11 with new grille and bonnet intake, three carburettors on a semi-downdraught manifold, a new camshaft and 132bhp at 4,750rpm; difficulties with tuning, though, saw a reversion to twin SUs within a year during which the gearlever was finally located centrally. Further improvements came in August 1962 in BJ7 form with standard 2+2 seating, permanently attached hood and wind-up windows. The final model, the Mk III BJ8, appeared in February 1964. Complete with larger SUs, a new camshaft and rerouted exhaust with four silencers, its 148bhp provided 120mph performance and 0-60mph in just 9.5 seconds. May 1964 saw a last and notable change: rear ground clearance - the lack of it a long-time Big Healey criticism - was increased and the axle better located by twin radius arms rather than Panhard rod. Myriad changes were also incorporated into the Mk III, including a new dashboard design with wood veneer, an electronic tachometer and a vacuum brake servo, while the seats were now covered in real leather and a useful console placed between the front seats. First registered in 1967, this superb Mk III was the subject of a comprehensive restoration completed in 2005. This included an engine rebuild incorporating new piston rings, crankshaft bearings, camshaft and cam' followers, an overhauled oil pump, overhauled cylinder head with new rocker shaft, bushes, valves and valve springs, reconditioned carburettors, starter motor, distributor and dynamo, a new clutch assembly, an overhauled gearbox with new bearings and second gear synchromesh ring, new propshaft universal joints, an overhauled differential with 3.54:1 ratio, recalibrated instruments, including the speedometer, completely overhauled suspension and braking system, and a new wiring loom. Desirable non-standard items comprise aluminium wings, all leather interior trim and an exhaust system, all fasteners, hose clips and brake pipes in stainless steel. Attractively finished in British Racing Green with black interior and, unsurprisingly, the recipient of two class wins in Aston Martin Owners Club Concours d'Elegance events, this Big Healey is offered in excellent all round condition. In its current ownership since 1974, and with a mere and genuine 28,000 miles recorded, it comes with a photographic record of the restoration, original green logbook, service invoices, V5 registration document, MoT test certificates dating back to 1971 and a current certificate valid until May 2008. Highly recommended.