Vehicle Description
Once Donald Healey phased out production of his unique
Riley-powered cars, he went in search of a new partner to build
sports cars. Toward the end of a brief yet relatively unsuccessful
venture with Nash, he created an Austin-based prototype hoping to
attract the attention of top brass at Austin. The so-called "Healey
Hundred" would prove to be the first of several automobiles born of
a fruitful relationship between engineer/entrepreneur Donald Healey
and the Chairman of Austin, Leonard Lord. Austin was looking to
save face after the A90 Atlantic failed to make a splash in the
USA. Concurrently, Donald Healey ran out of Riley engines for his
own cars, and the slow-selling Nash-Healey was not long for this
world. The timing of the Austin-Healey partnership couldn't have
been better, as the American market was rapidly developing an
insatiable appetite for imported sports cars. The MG T-series was
affordable but rudimentary, while the Jaguar XK120 was fast,
exotic, and expensive. Buyers who wanted more performance than an
MG offered but couldn't stretch to the Jaguar found the Austin
Healey 100 to be the ideal fit. With their beautiful, quick, and
affordable 100, Donald Healey and Leonard Lord had a hit in the
making. In the quest for more power, the 100-6 superseded the 100
in 1956, based around BMC's 2.6-liter C-Series inline-six borrowed
from the full-size Austin Westminster saloon. By 1959, the 100-6
was renamed "3000" coinciding with a bump to a full three liters.
Like the 100-6 before it, the Healey 3000 was available in two-seat
or four-seat configuration, with the four-seat version proving to
be the more popular option. With the MkII version came some
significant mechanical improvements, most notably the addition of
servo assistance for the front disc/rear drum brake arrangement.
Triple S.U. carburetors allowed the 2,912 cc inline-six to breathe
better and make a respectable 132 horsepower. Within the Mk II
series were two distinct iterations, the BT7/BN7 (identical save
for the additional seats of the BT7) and the BJ7 which offered more
equipment to meet market demands. As such, the triple-carburetor
BT7 MK II is the last of the raw, bare-knuckle Big Healey's, with a
simple removable soft top, side curtains, and the tri-carb six, it
is one of the best of the breed. This 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II
is a desirable BT7 model with triple carburetors. As one of just
5,451 built, it is one of the rarer iterations of the classic Big
Healey. According to the accompanying British Motor Industry
Heritage Trust certificate, it is an original left-hand drive North
American Export model produced to USA specification. Following
production during mid-September 1961, it was despatched to the
United States on 21 September 1961. Factory-fitted equipment
included wire wheels, an adjustable steering column, laminated
windscreen, overdrive, and a speedometer calibrated in
miles-per-hour. An older restoration, it is presented in its
original colors of Healey Blue Metallic over a dark blue interior,
and it has been well maintained and enjoyed in the hands of the
most recent owner. The paintwork is in fine order, with good finish
quality. A couple of minor imperfections are noted, although they
do little to detract from the otherwise sharp presentation. The
brightwork is excellent, with beautiful chrome Dayton wire wheels.
Brand new Vredestein 185-15 radials maintain the proper stance and
handling characteristics. The 2+2 cockpit offers additional
practicality over the two-seater, which is why the BT7 proved so
much more popular with buyers. This car features a blue interior
piped in white and matching blue carpets, all appearing in good
condition with an inviting character from many miles of top-down
enjoyment. Original instruments are in good condition, and the car
retains the factory Smiths heater. Supplementing the fitted tonneau
cover is a newer convertible top in factory-correct black vinyl. A
set of side curtains is also included. According to the Heritage
Certificate, this car retains its original, numbers matching 2,912
cc engine.It presents in proper Healey Green on the block and head,
with pleasing detailing and an aluminum valve cover. The engine
runs very well on the original carbs, with the signature growl from
the big six. With its minimalist cockpit, lightweight, and gutsy
three-liter engine, the Mk II BT7 is often considered by
enthusiasts to be the last of the "pure" Big Healey models. It is
also one of the best to drive, thanks to the trio of SU carbs and
servo assisted brakes. This example benefits from a good quality
restoration followed by years of attentive care. Recent freshening
ensures it remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical order,
ready for its next enthusiastic owner to enjoy many pleasurable
miles from behind the wheel. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7655-1962-austin-healey-3000-mkii-roadster/