Lot 075: Austin-Healey 3000 MkI

Big, butch and beautiful, the Austin-Healey 3000 is to many the quintessential British sportscar. Launched in March 1959, it quickly earned a reputation as a formidable rally machine, thundering to spectacular success on many international events of the 1960s. A development of the already successful 100/6, 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. It was fitted with the more powerful 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine which produced 124bhp and 167lb/ft of torque. Mated to a four-speed gearbox with optional overdrive, this endowed the car with a top speed of almost 120mph and a 0-60 time of just 11.4 seconds. Other improvements included front disc brakes and a choice of either two-seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) body styles. The 3000 Mk I remained in production until the arrival of the MkII in 1961. Dating from 1960, this particular MkI passed through the hands of five owners before it was put into storage in 1978. Here it was to remain for the next three decades before being brought out and recommissioned earlier this year. A desirable overdrive model, it is said to be in exceptionally sound condition throughout with a very good chassis. Before being laid up it was fitted with a new exhaust, new kingpins, new brake pads and linings and a new clutch, all of which are still said to be in excellent condition today. The petrol tank and fuel lines have just been flushed out and all fluids changed. New plugs, points and fuel pump have also been fitted and new copper brake pipes where required. The car is now said to run and drive very well indeed with excellent oil pressure, sharp servo-assisted brakes and instant reaction from the overdrive gearbox. It certainly fired up smartly and ran beautifully on the occasion of our visit to take these pictures. Still with its original red leather interior, Motorola radio and a good hood and frame, it is capable of immediate use but could be gradually improved over time. It comes with its original buff log book and an old V5 plus a couple of bills for new parts in the late 1970s. Sound but largely unrestored Healeys like this are now few and far between and this looks like a most attractive project at the guide price suggested today.