Lot 255: 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II

The Austin Healey 3000 has endeared itself to enthusiasts the world over, not least for those who remember the sight and sound of this muscular British sports car roaring to spectacular success in international rallying. It was not long before the 3000 proved highly competitive, displaying both pace and great strength on its 1959 Alpine Rally debut. The Austin Healey heralded the dawning of the golden age that British rallying was to enjoy in the Sixties, the fast, hairy-chested, good-looking Healeys were paving the way. For instance, Healeys were first and third in the Marathon, second in the Alpine and second and third in the RAC Rally. The results continued on into the following year; the Morley twins won the Alpine outright and were awarded with the only Coupe des Alpes while other major results included a second in the RAC Rally and third in the Acropolis. The results continued into 1963 and in 1964, a Healey won the Marathon for the first time, the last one held as a road event, as well as coming second on the Tulip. Big Healeys scored numerous successes with great drivers such as the Morley brothers, Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Peter Riley, Timo Makinen and Rauno Altonen.This superb Mk II Roadster with hardtop was uprated to fast touring/rally specification by world-renowned Healey expert John Chatham, further extensive works have been carried out by French specialists MRM. Some of the major improvements carried out on the car include a comprehensive body restoration including additional louvres for improved cooling and ventilation, additional headlights, uprated front and rear suspension and drive shafts, stronger brakes, a fully tuned engine, stainless steel exhaust and a set of four new tyres on Minilite-style alloy wheels. Furthermore the car is fitted with the sought-after overdrive gearbox. The interior has been stylishly fitted with period-style bucket seats with racing harnesses, electrical cut-off switch, alloy floorboards, a map reading light and a period-style leather sports steering wheel. Recently this capable Healey has undergone a comprehensive revision at a cost in excess of some 10,000 by a French marque specialist. Since then this magnificent beast has run only approximately 150 km and has been stored in a dry and heated garage. A fabulous opportunity to purchase a well-sorted big Healey, ready for either fast road use or for numerous events this car is eligible for.