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.

Convertible
Chassis number: H-BJ8-L/31113
Engine number: 29K-RU-H/5842

The Austin Healey 3000 Mark III was launched in October 1963, and remained in production until the end of 1967. The new model, classified as the BJ8, was the most powerful and luxurious of the Big Healeys. They featured a walnut-veneered dash, wind-up windows, and a 150bhp engine. Improvements to the engine included new valve springs and camshaft, and twin SU HD8 carburetors. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard.

This particular MK III BJ8 was purchased new by Joe Berecz from the Austin dealership in Montréal, Québec, on a summer's afternoon in 1966, for which he traded in his Renault R8 sedan. This Mark III has been in his family ever since. It lived with them in Montréal; Albany, New York; and finally Windsor, Ontario.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: HBJ8L33636

This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MKIII Sports Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell for $65,000-$85,000 and offered without reserve. The car is powered by a 2912-cc overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and Girling front disc brakes.

In July of 1959, the first production Austin-Healeys appeared with the 2912-cc engine with a body built by Jensen. Top speed was 114 mph from the 124 horsepower engine. The Mark III BJ8 had a modified engine which included twin SU two-inch HD8 carburetors that raised the horsepower to 150 and top speed to 120.

In 1962, 2+2 seating was implemented improving upon the cars practicality; two years later, the cars interior was completely redesigned. Girling disc were also added which continued the vehicles sporty characteristics and performance.

This Austin-Healey finished in black with a red interior has been treated to a complete restoration which was completed in 2006. The car has been carefully maintained and driven 1500 miles since that restoration.

At auction, the car did find a new owner, selling within the estimated value, and netting $66,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: HBJ8L32017
Engine number: 29K/RU/H5256

This 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII Phase 2 was offered for sale at the 2007 Christie's Auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in Cobra 'guardsman' blue with blue leather interior and blue soft top. Power is from the six-cylinder engine with overhead valves and twin SU carburetors. The nearly 150 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels with the help of a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Disc brakes are in the front and power-assisted hydraulically operated drums are in the rear.

This car has two-plus-two seating, roll-up windows, varnished timber dashboard and bucket seats. It used to be owned by singer Alan Jackson and was well cared for while in his possession.

At auction this car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. The estimate proved to be accurate, as a buyer was found and the lot was sold for $68,200 including buyer's premium.

Convertible
Chassis number: H-BJ8-L/35928
Engine number: 29K-RU-H/10590

Austin-Healey announced the 3000 Mark III BJ8 in February of 1965 and built through December of 1967. It was the final version of the 'Big Healey', and offered the highest refinement of the series. The cockpit featured a dashboard of burled walnut, with the speedometer and tachometer moved directly in front of the driver. The upholstery was upgraded to Ambia vinyl. Under the bonnet, the SU HD8 carburetors increased in choke size, while power-assisted braking became standard. Power rose and top speed reached nearly 120 mph. Phase II models were given separate indicator lights and a modified rear chassis that raised the ground clearance.

This particular Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 was completed by the factory on April 18th of 1966 and originally delivered to New York 10 days later on April 28th. It came equipped with wire wheels, Roadspeed tires, a heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, and overdrive. It left the factory finished in British Racing Green over a black interior and fitted with a matching black top. The car has been restored and finished in the shade of Sand Beige over a dark red leather interior with contrasting beige piping. In the trunk is a spare wire wheel, as well as a driver's handbook and knock-off hammer.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: H-BJ8-L/32843

The Austin-Healey 3000 was introduced in 1959, ceased production in 1967, and enjoyed a steady series of upgrades along the way. Among them were the Mark III BJ8 cars which incorporated power brakes, a softer trailing arm-rear suspension, and the 150 horsepower engine. This particular example was completed in early September of 1965 and sent to a dealer in New York later that same month. It left the factory wearing Dark British Racing Green over Black, wire wheels, Roadspeed tires, an overdrive, a heater, a laminated windscreen, and an adjustable steering column.

In 2019, this Austin-Healey was sent to the shop of Healy Lane Restoration in Marcola, Oregon where over the course of the next year, the vehicle was stripped down to its bare chassis and completely rebuilt. The exterior was painted in a combination of Golden Beige Metallic over red Ambla vinyl. There are Dunlop-style 60-spoke wire wheels at all four corners.

Very few miles have been added to the odometer since the restoration was completed.

by Dan Vaughan

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 an 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 a 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, a 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 a 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.

by Dan Vaughan