1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MKII news, pictures, and information

Roadster
Chassis Num: HBTL 15705

In 1959 the Austin-Healey 3000 was given a few very important improvements over the preceding 100/6 model. The C-Series six-cylinder engine was enlarged to 2912cc and Girling discs were fitted to the front of the car. Horsepower rose to 124 bhp at 4600 RPM and top speed was achieved at 114 mph when the optional hardtop was in place. Few other differences existed between the old and new versions.

Eight more Horsepower would be gained in the early 1960s. Starting in November of 1961, the 3000 came with a new gearbox which finally had the gear level at the center of the transmission tunnel. In January of 1962, the 2+2 MKII Convertible, also known as the MKIIA, appeared, which brought with it many comfort features such as winding windows, swiveling quarter-lights and fixed foldaway hood.

In 1962, production of the MKII ceased after 5,096 examples of the 2+2s and 355 two-seaters had been created. The convertible version continued until the introduction of the 3000 MKIII in 1963.

A restoration was performed on this car during the mid 1990s. It has seen very little use since the mid-1960s and still shows very well in modern times. In 2007 it was brought to the Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. This 1962 Austin Healey 3000 MkIIA Convertible was sold for a high bid of $52,000 plus premium and taxes.

Roadster
Chassis Num: HBN7L16953
Engine Num: 29E/RU/H3309

This 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MKII BN7 two-seat Roadster is fitted with three SU carburetors and is one of only 335 examples of this configuration produced over a two-year period. One of the cars prior owners retained the car for 26 years and used it as daily transportation, rain or shine, until 1984. For the next 19 years, the car remained in a garage. In 2008, it was given a complete restoration. The original transmission, engine and other mechanical systems were rebuilt. It is finished in black over Roman Red, with a red leather interior with black piping. It rides on period correct tires and chrome wire wheels.

In 2008, this 3000 MKII BN7 Roadster was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $85,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates were proven accurate when the lot was sold for $88,000, including buyer's premium.

The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in October of 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show. The first Austin Healey 100's were known as 100-4 or BN1. The name 100 came-about by being able to break the 100 mph barrier. The BN also had meaning. The B represented the engine class which meant it had between 2000 and 3000 cc. The N represented the body-style configuration, two-seat and open-top. The 100 was powered by a A90, 2660 cc, four-cylinder engine capable of producing 94 horsepower. The manual three-speed transmission was also borrowed from the A90. However, the first gear was blocked off and was fitted with overdrive on the second and third gears to provide extra power.
The name 'Austin Healey' was formed by a partnership comprising of the designer, Donald Mitchell Healey, and the manufacturer, Austin.

During its total production cycle, 10,688 examples of the BN1 were produced.

In October of 1955, the BN2 was introduced. The BN2 was similar to the BN1 in design but now featured larger drum brakes and a new four-speed transmission with overdrive.

During its production run, 3,924 examples of the BN2 were produced.

The Austin Healey 100S was produced in limited numbers, only 55. Their primary purpose was for competing in racing and rally events as well as for development and marketing purposes. They were entered into races such as Sebring, Mille Miglia, and Le Mans. They were copies of special factory test car that Stirling Moss raced in the 1954 12-hour Sebring race where he placed third. The 100S's were produced at the Healey Warwick factory and most were decorated with the American racing colors, white and blue. Of the 55 that were built, only 10 remain unaccounted for. The 100S, when compared with the 100, featured Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels, different cylinder head and internal engine modifications, four-speed gearbox without overdrive, and a light-alloy body shell.

The 100S was followed by the 100M. The 100M was a Le Mans variation of the BN2 with an increased horsepower rating of 100-110. It featured bigger carburetors and modified distributor. Valve springs and anti-roll bars were added to the suspension. During its production run, 1100 of the Le Mans BN2's were produced.

Over time, about 100 BN2 were later modified but in order to qualify for the Le Mans configuration the vehicles needed to meet specific standards. These standards included a 1.75 inch H6, SU carburetors, cold air box and air tube, Le Mans regulation strap and a factory style louvered hood.

The four cylinder engine was used from 1952 through 1956, after which a BMC six-cylinder engine was used. The car was dubbed the '100 Six'. Three years and a few engine modifications later, the car was named the '3000' and today is known as the 'Big Healey'. Over the production lifespan of the 3000, it could be assembled with multiple options such as a two-seater or 2+2, hard-tops, single or duo-tone paint schemes, overdrive, and more.

In 1962 the body was redesigned with a curved screen and wind up windows. The interior of the vehicle was revamped in 1964 and also received more ground clearance.

The 3000 was produced from 1959 through 1968. The original engine produced 124 horsepower and was capable of about 114 mph. Modifications to the engine throughout the years increased the horsepower to around 148 and the top speed to 121 mph. The size of the car, the power of the engine, and weighing in at around 2400 lbs made this car responsive, competitive and fun to drive.

In all, there were around 73,000 100's and 3000's produced with 58,000 featuring the six-cylinder engine.

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