Bidding closes 8pm Thursday 6th April 2017
> Click here to bid
Registration Number: 645 YUW
Chassis Number: HBT7L/5998
Engine Number: TBC
Overview:
‘The Austin Healey 3000…superb, timeless styling and classic proportions”. ‘The Times’
When launched in March 1959 the retrospectively named Mark 1 Big Healey hit the sweet spot with the full-fat 3 litre iteration of the C Series engine providing even more brawn (124 bhp at a lolloping 4,600 rpm) via its pair of SU HD6 carburettors than its far from effete predecessor, the 2.6 litre 100/6. While disc front brakes now reined in the extra get up and go, the marketing gurus had yet to have their way with such fripperies as wind-up windows; you had the stop, the go and the show in one alluring package.
With fantastic publicity gained from Austin Healey’s participation in motorsports, sales of the new 3000 model were as rapid as its performance. It would have been a great relief to Donald Healey that demand for the 2+2 far outstripped the two-seater cars as he had only reluctantly re-introduced this configuration at the end of the 100/6 production run with the BN6 model; he always believed that customers wanted the 2+2. In fact customer demand was so high that the 2+2 accounted for 85% of sales in 1960 and a whopping 93% of sales in 1961 conclusively proving that The Boss is always right!
Great looking machines with gutsy performance and a soundtrack to match, is there anything that epitomises the Great British Sports Car better than the Big Healey?
Imported from France in 2013, this left-hand drive 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7 sports red coachwork with contrasting black interior and matching red piping to all four seats. The overall condition of the interior is good with seating, carpets and other internal details in very nice condition. The Healey is supplied with a virtually new black hood with its associated frame as well as side screens. It also has an original Smiths Heater option installed for those chilly early mornings which is so often not specified for US market cars, mostly because much of the Land of the Free isn’t blessed with our (or indeed France’s) ‘range’ of weather.
Supplied with the popular overdrive option on 3rd and 4th gears which makes these 1960s icons so useable in the 2010s, it sits on chrome wire-spoke wheels with matching spinners. Since being brought into the UK and correctly registered with the DVLA, the car has had over £12,000 spent on it to bring it up to scratch. This work included a comprehensive precautionary engine rebuild. Once stripped for inspection, parts were replaced or refurbished as required and the cylinder head was overhauled. Some bodywork was also replaced with new sections welded in where there had been damage or evidence of previous poor repairs. Rear brake cylinders were replaced and a new high torque starter motor was fitted which definitely helps the big ‘six’ fire, especially when warm – an issue that Mr Lucas was not always able to overcome back in the day it must be said. The panel gaps and all-important swage lines are good which is unfortunately not always the case with restored, or even unrestored cars while the chrome-work is also very good.
Paintwork is good throughout with a fine level of shine without it looking excessively thick. There are a couple of nicks on the top of the driver’s side sill perhaps where a stray heel (or set of spurs) has caught it when entering or leaving the cockpit and a very slight rub on the rear wheel arch on the same side of the car. These slight blemishes can be seen in the photo gallery.
To standard Factory Specification throughout, aside from a pair of rather lovely period wing mirrors and an additional piece of complimentary trim on the transmission tunnel, we could spot barely a nut or bolt that wasn’t where it should be on the Healey. One worthwhile upgrade fitted is a full stainless steel exhaust system to the correct original pattern, finishing in a pair of lovely angle cut exhaust tips. The original steering wheel is in place though the rim is protected and made easier to grip with a cover. A set of Austin Healey logoed floor mats protect the black carpeting.
In the engine bay it is nice to see the brass tops to the SU carburettors are still in place as is the original engine driven metal fan, though for the sake of practicality and any desire to circumnavigate the M25 on a Friday afternoon this summer, there is an electric fan discretely positioned in front of the radiator. The original Cooper brand air cleaners are present though unfortunately one of the makers’ decals has detached itself though these are available new for the more fastidious owner. A slight engine oil drip has been traced to fluid escaping via the dipstick hole and the ‘stick itself has been more securely fitted to alleviate this.
The boot houses a very sweet wicker ‘hamper’ in lieu of the spare wheel; not overly practical it must be said but a lovely thing. A new owner might like to invest in either a 5th wheel, an aerosol repair kit or perhaps AA membership.
We strongly suggest that prospective buyers spend some time examining the photographs of the underside of the car in the gallery; apparently very solid and well protected, the impression is that this area will remain in very good order for many years to come. A very light misting of oil is present on the rear axle, possible from the nose piece but this is really very minor indeed. The very low slung sump has taken a ‘hit’ or two over the years but remains sound and oil-tight.
Overall, there is every indication that the car has been well looked after both in France and since arriving in the UK.
The history file, while not big on volume, makes up for this in value with invoices detailing over £12,000 worth of remedial work mentioned above. The current V5C document is present along with French registration paperwork. Though the Healey is MOT tested through to the 17th May, the owner will gladly have the car re-tested for a new custodian should they so desire.
This 3000 has been entered into our Berlinetta Weekly sale by a great friend and customer of ours – his was one of the very first cars we sold way back in the mists of last year – who really knows his Healeys. He is keen to show potential buyers the car on the lift in his workshop and to take them for a run in the surrounding lanes. If mention is made of popping to ‘The Wheel’, we heartily recommend you take up the offer; good company, a red Healey 3000 and an English country pub, we would suggest it doesn’t get much better than that!
For an enthusiast looking for a good quality car that has had significant money spent on it in the last eighteen months, this would be a great option. With the recent decline in the value of Sterling, importing cars has suddenly become a lot more expensive so this is an opportunity to acquire, at a very sensible price, a thoroughbred classic that has already had any necessary work done and is ready to go.
Leave A Comment