The new Austin-Healey entered production in 1953 and was immediately popular in the United States. The early four-cylinder cars were superseded in 1956 by a six-cylinder model, appropriately named the 100/6, and would remain in production until 1959 when the name was over-bored to 2,912cc, producing 125 horsepower at 4,600 RPM, thus the name Healey 3000. The Mark II was introduced in 1961 introduced improved practicality with a fixed foldaway top and winding windows, while the engine gained triple SU carburetors and a revised camshaft, increasing horsepower by 8 bhp. The less popular two-seater version was dropped leaving just the 2+2 version. From November of 1961, the 3000 came with a new gearbox, a development which at last moved the gear lever to the center of the transmission tunnel. The 3000 MK III followed in early 1964, bringing with it well-fitted carpets, bucket seats, 148 bhp engine, and a varnished timber dashboard.The Austin Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 models retained the essence of its classic short deck, long hood sports roadster persona, but had matured from minimalistic to comfortable and civilized, with 2+2 seating and amenities directed towards the important North American market. Equipped with roll-up side windows and an easily operable soft top, the convertible 'tourer' was safe and enjoyable for daily driving, albeit with that 'English quality' shared by a number of contemporary brands including Triumph, MG, and Jaguar. Year-round use was possible with the factory hardtop. Solidifying its athletic credentials, the low-slung, sports car was rather successful in international rallying and racing, including Le Mans, the Targa Florio, and Sebring. Production of the 3000 would continue through 1968. Standard equipment included power brakes, overdrive transmission, and a heater. It had a factory base price of $3550, and the overhead-valve engine offered 150 horsepower and 173 ft-lbs of torque. Disc brakes were in the front with drums at the rear. The steel ladder chassis had a coil spring front suspension and leaf spring rear setup. Shortly after the Mk III introduction in 1964, 'Phase II' upgrades were applied that enhanced the handling, ride, and increased ground clearing of all subsequent Mk III BJ8 series chassis through 1967. Among the Mark III changes were a more powerful engine, better suspension with the rear receiving twin radius arms instead of a Panhard rod, and a driver's compartment that featured burled walnut and a center console. The top speed was now achieved at 121 mph and zero-to-sixty mph time was now below ten seconds. 'Phase II' MK III models were two-thirds more powerful than the first four-cylinder cars, only gaining about 15-percent more weight over the years. It was more luxurious, practical, and comfortable. The Big Healey remained popular, though increase emissions legislation and stringent safety concern meat its days were numbered. While American automakers were regularly changing body styles and giving their cars a whole new look, the Engine was content with merely calling a refined version a series II car until further refinements are carried out it becomes a series III. Rolls-Royce and Jaguar were among the British marques that followed this practice, including the Silver Cloud (Rolls) and the E-Type (Jaguar). Austin-Healey produced 17,712 examples of the Mark III, bar far the most popular variant.
by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019
by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019
Related Reading : Austin-Healey 3000 History
The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in October of 1952 at the Earls Court Motor Show. The first Austin Healey 100s 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....
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