Lot 094: Austin-Healey 3000 MkI (BT7

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 (Mk I) 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 Mk I remained in production until the arrival of the MkII in 1961. According to the Heritage Certificate that accompanies it, this particular BT7 was manufactured in September 1960 and despatched via the Donald Healey Motor Company to North America where it was to remain for the next 30 years. Imported back from the dry state of Arizona in about 1990, it then underwent a total nut-and-bolt rebuild which was to take the best part of six years. As the large amount of receipts and photographs in the history file attest, virtually every single part was repaired or renewed as necessary, the majority of the work being carried out by Big Healey Restorations of Tibshelf, using parts mainly supplied by the Midlands Austin-Healey Centre. This included a total strip, sandblast and rebuild of the chassis, full bodywork restoration, new wiring loom, full mechanical rebuild and an interior retrim in navy blue leather with cream piping. A new hood, hood frame and tonneau cover were also fitted and new seat belts front and rear. To spice things up a bit, the engine was sent off to John Noble Racing where it was fitted with a Denis Welch fast road cam and special crank oil seal conversion, new pistons and bearings and a high output oil pump. The head and the manifolds were also gas flowed for increased performance. New 72-spoke painted wire wheels were fitted along with a stainless steel exhaust. Since the restoration was completed in 1996, the car has covered only 1,500 dry miles (as recorded on the speedo which was reset to zero) and is said to drive beautifully with an exhilarating turn of speed and excellent torque which requires minimum use of the four-speed overdrive gearbox. In the current ownership for the last six years, the car appears to be in excellent condition and looks almost as clean underneath as it does up top.