1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III Convertible

At the 1952 London Motor Show, Donald Healey introduced his latest masterpiece, an economical 100 mph sports car, a pale-blue Healey-100. It was the only one in existence and the subject of on-going negotiations with an official at the British Motor Corporation who secured a deal that made the car into the first Austin-Healey 100.

Production of 200 cars a week began with worldwide distribution in mind and the US market the major sales target. With styling by Gerry Coker, the new line of roadsters received Austins powertrains, 4-cylinder engines initially, then during September 1956, the new BN4 100-Six was introduced along with the oval grille of the 100S racing model.

The new 6-cylinder engine design differed from previous BMC power plants in that its Weslake designed cylinder head required location of the cam to the opposite side of the block. The 3000 MK II was announced during May 1961 as a 3-carburetor model, subsequently scaled back to dual carbs. During March of 1964, the MK III 'Big Healey' was introduced with the BJ8 engine of 150 horsepower and a new rear suspension to improve ride quality.

Ninety percent of production was designated as export with most of the United States contingent sold in California. After more than 72,000 were built, some 70,000 sold in the United States, production ended in 1967 with the MK III 3000 displaying remarkably similar styling to the original 'Big Healey.' The last production MK III was completed in December 1967, destined to America.