Lot 18: Austin Healey 3000 MkI

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 car was built in Abingdon between 8th-17th August 1960 and was despatched to the USA at the end of that month. Here the car remained until it was shipped back to England in 1990 when it was acquired by the current vendor. Although the car was still in good condition, after running around in it for three years he decided to embark on a full body restoration.As the photos in the history file show, the only rust found on the car was confined to the floor and sills which were repaired and replaced as necessary. All the outer panels were, and are, completely sound and original. At the same time the complete braking and suspension system was overhauled, a new wiring loom fitted and the car was fully waxoyled.In 1997 the car was further treated to a full interior retrim in red hide, including the doorcards which were fitted with bespoke map pockets. A new double-duck tonneau and sidescreens were also specially made and fitted, the owner not being satisfied with the off-the-shelf products available. The result is an uncommonly snug fitting set of wet weather gear, complemented by a folding canvas hood that is also in excellent condition. A new set of five 60-spoke painted wire wheels were also fitted at this time.In 2000 the engine and overdrive gearbox were completely stripped and rebuilt, the former with new pistons, liners, camshaft, reground crank etc. It was also converted to run on unleaded and a spin-off oil filter fitted. The car has only covered some 4,500 miles since the rebuild and is said to drive exceptionally well. MOT'd until June and taxed until December, it comes complete with a large history file to document the work carried out and a detailed log of all miles covered to date.Marred only by some slight crazing to the otherwise very lustrous paintwork, this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a thoroughly rejuvenated Healey at a fraction of the cost that has been lavished on it to date.