Lot 327: 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Phase II Convertible

Developed using lessons learned from the successful competition experience of earlier Austin-Healeys, the ‘3000’ first appeared in 1959. Effectively a larger-engined 100/6, the 3000 was powered by a 2,912cc 124bhp six-cylinder engine and fitted with disc brakes to match its increased performance - top speed was in the region of 114mph. The Mark II version, with triple carburettors, was launched two years later and subsequently carved out an enviable competition career. The Mk III, the last and best of the Austin-Healeys, was introduced in 1964. Despite reverting to twin-carburettor induction, the engine now produced around 150bhp, an output good enough for a top speed slightly in excess of 120mph. Later that same year the MkIII was up-dated with revised rear suspension, this final incarnation being known as ‘Phase II’. Despite the antiquity of the basic design, the Big Healey remained as popular as ever, though increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered.
The ‘Big Healey’, as the car was affectionately known, became the most consistently successful Grand Touring rally car of all time. Its major successes included Pat Moss’s victory in the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally of 1960, Donald Morley’s domination of the Coupe des Alpes in 1961 and 1962, and his remarkable Tulip Rally performances in the early 1960s. Production of the Austin-Healey 3000 continued well into 1967 with 80 per cent of total output exported to the United States.
Representing the Big Healey’s final, most popular incarnation, this right-hand drive BJ8 Phase II model has the desirable overdrive transmission. The car was restored in 1991 and first registered in the UK that same year, indicating that it may well have returned from overseas. It is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to September 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.