"A classic competition car among the all-time greats in motoring history," was how The Autocar magazine summed up the works Austin-Healey 3000 in 1963. Yet at the time of its arrival in 1959, few would have guessed that the low-slung 'Big Healey' would triumph over its apparent shortcomings so effectively that it now rates as one of the most successful rally cars of the 1960s. A development of the preceding 100/6 rather than a genuinely new model, the Austin-Healey 3000 was launched in March 1959. The two cars looked virtually identical and under the skin was the same separate ladder-type chassis and independent front/live rear axle suspension. Improvements to the 3000 included a slightly enlarged (to 2,912cc) version of the C-Series six-cylinder engine and Girling disc brakes up front, a development greeted with enthusiasm by devotees of this muscular British sportscar. Breathing through twin SU carburetors, the revised power unit produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm; top speed - with the optional hardtop fitted - increased to 115mph, with 60mph reachable in a little over 11 seconds. Like the 100/6, the 3000 was available in two-seater (BN7) and 2+2 (BT7) guises and came with wire wheels and adjustable front seats as standard. Robust and tuneable, the Big Healey was immensely popular with privateers in its time, and today, almost 40 years after the end of production, continues to be extensively campaigned in historic motor sport, both in tarmac events and on the rough stuff. Replicas of the works rally cars are among the most sought-after variants, and an extensive cottage industry of recognized specialists exists to cater for the demand for Big Healey parts, servicing and competition preparation. The adage 'Life begins at Forty' inspired the current owner to dive wholeheartedly into the Healey legend and celebrate both his and its birthday by acquiring a 1959 3000 and preparing it for the immensely popular Tour de France retrospective rally - Patrick Peter's Tour Auto in 1999. The car he used had been built on 8/9th October 1959 and supplied new to San Francisco. It was originally Colorado red with a red interior, but in keeping with the owner's wish for a step back in time, and mindful of the Le Mans cars, he chose to re-livery it in British Racing Green and equip it with an Old English White hard-top à la Works. The previous owner had acquired the car while working in northern California, so it may well have spent most of its life there. By the mid-1990s and following a freak flood in Connecticut, he decided to part with the car and the current owner purchased it. A necessarily thorough restoration ensued. All of the body and structural work was carried out by Topdown Restorations of Washingtonville, NY and there can be little doubt of the quality of the work as 10 years on it still presents extremely well throughout. There are a few minor signs of aging in the paint, but even when put on a ramp the car is very clean underneath. Bob's Foreign Auto of Stratford prepared the car mechanically, again being a top quality job which ensured that the car ran faultlessly on the 1999 Tour Auto, and is still 'on the button' today. When inspected the car was driven by a Bonhams specialist and was found to be very well set up and comfortable on the road. With other projects on the go, the seller has decided to part with this anniversary special. Looking and driving extremely well, this evocative Big Healey could provide the purchaser with a future entry for sporting events or just a whole lot of fun!
"A classic competition car among the all-time greats in motoring history," was how The Autocar magazine summed up the works Austin-Healey 3000 in 1963. Yet at the time of its arrival in 1959, few would have guessed that the low-slung 'Big Healey' would triumph over its apparent shortcomings so effectively that it now rates as one of the most successful rally cars of the 1960s. A development of the preceding 100/6 rather than a genuinely new model, the Austin-Healey 3000 was launched in March 1959. The two cars looked virtually identical and under the skin was the same separate ladder-type chassis and independent front/live rear axle suspension. Improvements to the 3000 included a slightly enlarged (to 2,912cc) version of the C-Series six-cylinder engine and Girling disc brakes up front, a development greeted with enthusiasm by devotees of this muscular British sportscar. Breathing through twin SU carburetors, the revised power unit produced 124bhp at 4,600rpm; top speed - with the optional hardtop fitted - increased to 115mph, with 60mph reachable in a little over 11 seconds. Like the 100/6, the 3000 was available in two-seater (BN7) and 2+2 (BT7) guises and came with wire wheels and adjustable front seats as standard. Robust and tuneable, the Big Healey was immensely popular with privateers in its time, and today, almost 40 years after the end of production, continues to be extensively campaigned in historic motor sport, both in tarmac events and on the rough stuff. Replicas of the works rally cars are among the most sought-after variants, and an extensive cottage industry of recognized specialists exists to cater for the demand for Big Healey parts, servicing and competition preparation. The adage 'Life begins at Forty' inspired the current owner to dive wholeheartedly into the Healey legend and celebrate both his and its birthday by acquiring a 1959 3000 and preparing it for the immensely popular Tour de France retrospective rally - Patrick Peter's Tour Auto in 1999. The car he used had been built on 8/9th October 1959 and supplied new to San Francisco. It was originally Colorado red with a red interior, but in keeping with the owner's wish for a step back in time, and mindful of the Le Mans cars, he chose to re-livery it in British Racing Green and equip it with an Old English White hard-top à la Works. The previous owner had acquired the car while working in northern California, so it may well have spent most of its life there. By the mid-1990s and following a freak flood in Connecticut, he decided to part with the car and the current owner purchased it. A necessarily thorough restoration ensued. All of the body and structural work was carried out by Topdown Restorations of Washingtonville, NY and there can be little doubt of the quality of the work as 10 years on it still presents extremely well throughout. There are a few minor signs of aging in the paint, but even when put on a ramp the car is very clean underneath. Bob's Foreign Auto of Stratford prepared the car mechanically, again being a top quality job which ensured that the car ran faultlessly on the 1999 Tour Auto, and is still 'on the button' today. When inspected the car was driven by a Bonhams specialist and was found to be very well set up and comfortable on the road. With other projects on the go, the seller has decided to part with this anniversary special. Looking and driving extremely well, this evocative Big Healey could provide the purchaser with a future entry for sporting events or just a whole lot of fun!
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
