1966 Austin-Healey 3000

Donald Healey and his company presented a prototype two-seater sports, dubbed the 'Healey Hundred' at the 1952 London Motor Show. It was based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals, had a body designed by Gerry Coker, built by Tickford, and named for its ability to reach 100 mph. After an encouraging response from the public, plans for production versions soon followed, initially to be built in-house at the Healey factory in Warwick. The Ice Blue prototype had also caught the attention of Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, and soon a deal was struck to build the car in volume at Longbridge and to be renamed the Austin Healey 100.

The four-cylinder cars gave way to the 100-Six off 1956, which was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The final iteration was the 3000 MKIII, introduced in October of 1963 and mildly upgraded in the 'Phase 2' form in May of 1964. By this point, its s2912cc straight-six engine developed 150 horsepower and was the most powerful and luxurious of all the derivatives, fitted with such niceties as a walnut-veneer fascia and wind-up windows. The engine used a cast-iron block and head, single overhead camshaft, Twin 2 inch HD8 SU Carburetors, and was backed by a four-speed manual gearbox with electric overdrive. The front suspension was independent with coil springs, while the rear used a live axle and half-elliptic springs. Stopping power was by Servo Assisted front disc and rear drum brakes. Improvements over previous iterations included new valve springs, imported exhaust, a revised camshaft, and twin SU 2-inch HD8 carburetors.

Phase II versions had increased ground clearance, a revised rear suspension with twin radius arms instead of a Panhard rod. The top speed was now 121 mph and the zero-to-sixty mph time took less than ten seconds.

42,926 total examples were produced by the time 3000 production closed at the end of 1956 and 17,712 of those were MKIIIs. The Big Healey's of the 1960s were comfortable and agile, representing the final evolution of this storied breed and delivered world-class performance and comfort. The car's longevity was shortened due to increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation.

In the United States, the 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III had a base price of $3,570. Standard equipment included the overdrive transmission, power brakes, and a heater. Air conditioning was a $385 option.