Lot 117: 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III

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. 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 either in 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 leafsprung 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 torque 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 was not 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, Big Healeys scoring numerous successes with great drivers such as the Morley brothers, Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk, Peter Riley, Timo Makinen and Rauno Altonen.This Big Healey received a comprehensive restoration in recent years by dutch marque specialists. The specification of the last built Healeys (phase 2) is regarded by collectors as to be the most desirable. Finished in BRG with black Interior and wire wheels this British classic is a well proofed Rally icon and collectors item with a further value potential. The car comes with Dutch paperwork.