Lot 39: 1967 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 Mk III PHASE 2 CONVERTIBLE

British Racing Green with black interior and black soft top

Engine: six cylinder, in-line, pushrod overhead valves, twin SU carburetors, 2,912cc, 148bhp at 5,350rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual with overdrive; Suspension: front, independent by wishbones and coil springs, rear, live axle with transverse control arm or radius rods, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel power assisted hydraulically operated drum. Left hand drive.

The new Austin-Healey went into production in 1953 and was immediately popular in the US. The cars were well styled, inexpensive, tough and above all easy to drive, both for the sports car enthusiast who maybe fancied some light competition or for just heading to the shops. The early four cylinder cars were superseded by a six cylinder model in 1956, appropriately named the 100/6 and these stayed in production until 1959 when the engine was considerably enlarged to 2,912cc, hence the name Healey 3000. These were altogether more powerful and faster, equipped with disc brakes and gave rise to the legend of the Big Healey.

Eventually in 1964 came the 3000 Mk III, generally considered to be the finest Healey variant of them all. It was more convertible than the roadster with its wind-up windows, excellent hood and two plus two seating. In the cockpit there was a varnished timber dashboard with the traditional sports car array of instruments, a central console between the comfortable bucket seats and well-fitted carpets.

This Big Healey is an original North American (Canadian) export model having spent literally its entire life in Erie, Pennsylvania. This wonderful two owner car was restored in the 1990's by its second owner. Since the restoration it has been used very sparingly and always stored in a climate controlled environment, thus the restoration is still quite fresh. The Healey has a black soft top and top boot, new stainless/chrome wire wheels and octagonal knock-offs. With a walnut veneer dashboard, heater, curved windscreen and roll-up windows, accommodation is both practical and refined. The later built, double large, light cars are the most desirable, with power brakes, overdrive, adjustable steering wheel and 150bhp at the drivers disposal.

We are delighted to be offering this finely restored, mechanically sorted example which shows only 49,000 miles, and is set in the traditional and popular color combination of British racing green and black interior. This Healey is poised for immediate enjoyment.

WITHOUT RESERVE