1962 Austin Healey 3000 MK II Roadster

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Description

(SOLD) This attractive and sporty 1962 Austin Healey 3000 MK II BT7 Roadster is a new addition to our inventory, and has been the recipient of a bare metal restoration. It comes in an attractive 2-tone Black and Red color combination, and is an original California car with a low ownership history that has spent much of its life in Arizona; it has since come back to the Golden State where its most recent caretaker resides. The current owner of the 3000 has driven the car very sparingly, logging only 300 miles since purchasing the car. The car is complete and full of attractive styling; from its sleek Black and Red two-tone exterior to its detailed instrumentation, the roadster presents as a classic and fully stylish example of British motoring. The car is a 4-seater, and is complimented very nicely with all of it’s britework that has been redone, and perfectly matches it’s set of chrome wire wheels and proper-sized Michelin tires. Please note that the 3000 model with 6 cylinders, 3 carbs, and overdrive-equipped transmissions are very sought after by collectors and enthusiasts as they have improved performance with a sporty driving experience.

The car held single long-term ownership in California in the 1960s before it traded hands to the individual who performed the restoration to the car. The Californian who owned the car had the engine removed by a shop in Tuscon, AZ in anticipation for a complete refurbishing, but unfortunately had to abandon the project due to health problems. A friend of the owner of the shop where the car was dismantled noticed the potential of this great core car and purchased it as a project to restore himself, with some assistance from the shop where the car was originally taken to for refurbishment.

Soon after, the restoration process began, where it was completely disassembled, with all parts painstakingly removed from the car in preparation to be restored or replaced as necessary. The roadster was then stripped down to bare metal and fully worked in preparation for a new finish of paint. The restorer spent countless hours working the body to produce the best possible result before painting the car. While the bodywork was performed, technicians were busy refurbishing the 2,912cc 6-cylinder engine, adding new rings, pistons, bearings, and timing chain; also added were new valves and seats, and a hidden Petronix ignition. The head was machined, and the block was thoroughly cleaned in a hot tank, and the car received several upgrades, including a spin-on oil filter, high torque gear reduction starter, and a stainless steel flex cooling fan. The roadster's transmission was also rebuilt and received upgraded synchros and Redline gear oil. On the inside of the car, the upholstery was completely redone, which includes a new convertible top, matching tonneau, new carpet set, door and kick panels, with the hardura mat in the trunk being replaced; the car's dash and gauges were painstakingly restored as well, and a year-specific new wire loom was installed.

The roadster is now ready to be enjoyed in the upcoming Spring and Summer driving seasons on your favorite roads or highways with the top up or down. Regardless of use, this stylish 3000 MK II roadster is sure to delight any eyes that gaze upon it!

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.