Beschreibung:

The Austin Healey 3000 was introduced in March 1959 and was the replacement for the 100/6 model. The new car featured an enlarged 2912cc version of Austin's six cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors and Girling front disc brakes offering excellent performance resulting in the model becoming a great success. The 3000 was only referred to as the Mk. I once the Mk. II model was introduced in 1961. We are proud to present today an Austin Healey 3000 Mk. I BT7 manufactured in May 1959. This matching numbers Healey has spent a large part of its life in New Zealand where it was subject to a nut and bolt restoration that was completed in 1995. During this restoration, the chassis and body were completely stripped and rebuilt; several new parts were used including a windscreen, new suspension, brakes and steering. The gearbox and differential were also completely overhauled. The engine was reconditioned with mostly new parts - the cylinders were re-sleeved, new pistons and rings fitted, a reconditioned crankshaft and re-bore was carried out. New hood, tonneau cover and side screens were also fitted at this time. A correspondence between the then owner and restorer shows that both parties were fastidious perfectionists. The car was then acquired by a wealthy industrialist to join his collection of 1950's and 1960's predominantly British sports cars. In 2002, his collection of 44 sports cars was stored in a museum in Auckland which became a tourist attraction. In 2004 the Healey was repatriated into the UK where it has resided ever since. Today the car looks resplendent in Colorado red with ivory flanks, complemented by a nicely patinated red leather interior and a wood rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel. The vendor states that the car drives very well and has the benefit of the optional overdrive fitted. The mohair hood and side screens are in excellent order. The 3000 sits upon four chrome wire wheels with good tyres; a fifth chrome wheel and tyre sit as a spare within the boot area where there is also a battery cut-off switch. The chrome work is in very good order and looks recent, and a look underneath reveals an excellent painted underside giving confidence that the car is in good sound order with no horrors being hidden beneath underseal. An inspection of the substantial history file reveals recent works carried out by UK specialists since its repatriation and also includes photographs of the restoration, correspondence between owner and restorers, invoices, old tax discs, old MoT certificates and articles about the Austin Healey sports cars. An Austin Healey 3000 Mk. I and Mk. II driver's handbook also accompany the car, along with an MoT test certificate valid until October 2013 and we are informed that a historic road fund licence will be obtained prior to sale. This is a very smart Healey that appears to require nothing other than to enjoy. With Healey prices on a steady rise, it also represents an opportunity to acquire the model at a sensible price.