1961 Austin Healey 3000 MK II Roadster

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Description

(SOLD) This 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II BT7 Roadster is a fine example of this versatile breed, presented in "works" rally-car style. It was completed during October 1961 and equipped with such factory options and features as wire wheels, a laminated windscreen, heater, adjustable steering column, road-speed tires, overdrive and a hardtop. This Healey was acquired by marque expert, Tom Rocke, and in January 2016, a total frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration was completed. The body panels and the chassis were short-blasted to bare metal, and prepared and primed before being refinished. The body was restored to its original, factory color combination- specified Healey Blue using a top-quality Dupont polyurethane 5-star Chroma base coat/clear coat system. All mechanical and ancillary systems were fully rebuilt. A completely new dark blue interior was fitted, including blue seat upholstery with chrome piping, matching wool carpeting and panels and a new trunk kit. All-new parts were utilized when rebuilding the torquey 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, center-shift 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive unit and the vehicle's ancillary systems. The new exhaust system was jet-coated for durability, an all-new cloth wiring harness was installed, and new or rebuilt electrical components were utilized. An alternator and negative ground replaced the original generator-based charging system for enhanced capacity and reliability. A new fuel system was also installed, including a new fuel tank and lines, all the way up to the newly rebuilt, BJ8-type 2-inch SU carburetors. The braking system received similar attention, including all-new line, master cylinder, front disc brakes and jet-coated rear drums. The entire suspension was rebuilt to match, using new parts and components. All interior and exterior chrome pieces were triple plated for a long-lasting shine. A 15-inch, three-spoke wood steering wheel provides driving ease in concert with the adjustable column. Paying homage to the famous Austin-Healey "works" rally cars, this vehicle's body modifications include slightly flared front fenders, a louvered hood with function air vent for improved cooling and a rally-spec rear decklid with room for up to two spare tires. Other competition-themed items include iconic Minilite 8-spoke rally wheels, 185x15 tires, front road lights, a rear backup lamp and the factory aluminum hardtop, refinished in Healey Blue to match the rest of the exterior. Both the road lights and backup light are activated using toggle switches mounted under the dash to the right of the steering column. Following completion, limited test miles were covered to ensure proper sorting. This Austin Healey comes with the Tonneau cover and storage bag, original British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, Driver Handbook, and binder of photos and information documenting the restoration. This car is fully equipped and ready to be enjoyed!

History

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967. It is the best known of the "big Healey" models. The car's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors and the vehicles were assembled at BMC's Abingdon works, alongside the corporation's MG models. The definitive 3000 Mark I debuted in 1959, complete with a larger-displacement 2,912 cc engine, improved gearbox, and new disc-type front brakes. Two models were offered, comprising the BN7 two-seater and Grand Touring-oriented BT7 2+2, and the "Big Healey" continued in progressively improved BJ8 Mark II and Mark III form through the eventual end of production in early 1968. Highly prized as an immensely capable open-air British sports car - even by today's standards - the "Big Healey" continues to be just as enjoyable and effective today as when new on racing circuits, rally stages, and winding roads alike.