Lot 229: 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MkI Roadster

‘A classic competition car among the all-time greats in motoring history,’ was how The Autocar magazine summed up the works Austin-Healey 3000 in 1963. Yet at the time of its arrival in 1959, few would have guessed that the low-slung ‘Big Healey’ would triumph over its apparent shortcomings so effectively that it now rates as one of the most successful rally cars of the 1960s. A development of the preceding 100/6 rather than a genuinely new model, the Austin-Healey 3000 was launched in March 1959. The two cars looked virtually identical and under the skin was the same separate ladder-type chassis and independent front/live rear axle suspension. Improvements to the 3000 included a slightly enlarged (to 2,912cc) version of the C-Series six-cylinder engine and Girling disc brakes up front, a development greeted with enthusiasm by devotees of this muscular British sportscar. Breathing through twin SU carburettors, the revised power unit produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm; top speed - with the optional hardtop fitted - increased to 115mph, with 60mph reachable in a little over 11 seconds. Like the 100/6, the 3000 was available in two-seater (BN7) and 2+2 (BT7) guises and came with wire wheels and adjustable front seats as standard. A BN7 two-seater model, this Austin-Healey 3000 MkI was acquired by the current owner in July 2005. Reportedly supplied new to California, it had been in the previous owner’s hands for the preceding 12 years approximately. While in previous ownership the car was restored and converted from left- to right-hand drive in the process. These extensive works included a bare-metal repaint, full re-trim (interior, hood, side screens, tonneau), engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, new wiring loom, suspension overhaul and braking system rebuild. At the time of purchase in July 2005, it was stated that fewer than 11,000 miles had been covered since completion, while new rear springs, stainless-steel exhaust system and four new shock absorbers had been fitted within the preceding 12-or-so months. Since acquisition the car has been kept in dry storage as part of a small private collection and professionally maintained. It is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to June 2007 and Swansea V5 registration document