Lot 153: 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II

1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mark II Rally CarRegistration Number: EU registered Chassis Number: HBJ7L 24264The 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. A development of the Austin Healey 100-6, itself born of the four cylinder 100, the 3000 was launched in March 1959. Like the 100-6, in either two seat BN7 or 2+2 BT7 guise, 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. Front disc brakes were fitted for the first time. Under the bonnet the 100-6's 2,639cc engine was enlarged to 2,912cc and, via twin SU carburettors, it produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm with an impressive 162lb/ft at 2,700rpm. Mated to a four-speed gearbox and capable of 110mph (116mph with overdrive) and 0-60mph in 11.4 seconds, the 3000 received much praise for effortless performance and fine handling. It wasn't long before the 3000 proved highly competitive in international rallying, displaying both pace and great strength on its 1959 Alpine Rally debut. It was a sign of things to come, the 3000 heralding the dawn of the golden age of British rallying in the Sixties. Big Healeys would go on to score numerous successes in the Marathon de la Route and the Alpine, RAC, Acropolis and Tulip Rallies to name a few, with great drivers such as brothers Don and Erle Morley, Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Peter Riley, Timo Makinen and Rauno Altonen. May 1961 saw the introduction of the Mk 11 with new grille and bonnet intake, three carburettors on a semi-downdraught manifold, a new camshaft and 132bhp at 4,750rpm; difficulties with tuning, though, saw a reversion to twin SUs within a year during which the gearlever was finally located centrally. Further improvements came in August 1962 in BJ7 form with standard 2+2 seating, permanently attached hood and wind-up windows. This superb 3000 Mk II with hardtop was uprated to fast touring/rally specification by world-renowned Big Healey expert John Chatham, with further extensive work having been carried out by French specialist MRM. A comprehensive body restoration included fitment of additional louvres for improved cooling and ventilation; other modifications include up-rated suspension, drive shafts, brakes, a fully-tuned engine, stainless steel exhaust, new tyres on Minilite-style alloy wheels and fog and spot lamps. Furthermore the car is fitted with the sought-after overdrive gearbox. Stylishly refitted, the interior sports period-style bucket seats with racing harnesses, an electrical cut-off switch, alloy floorboards, a map reading light and a leather sports steering wheel. Recently this capable Healey underwent a comprehensive revision at a cost in excess of some 10,000 by a French marque specialist. A magnificent beast, it has only been driven some 150km since and it 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 numerous historic events. Estimate£20,000-£24,000