Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
Nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration conducted by premier marque
specialist Kurt Tanner
Restored to Austin-Healey Club Gold Concours standards
Roughly 40 miles of road time since the restoration was
completed
Correct 2.9 liter British Motor Corporation 29A 6-cylinder /
Correct twin SU carburetion
Correct 4-speed manual transmission
Golden Beige Metallic paint / Correct wire wheels
Red Ambla interior
Sale includes restoration photos
Correct front disc and rear drum brakes
1 of only 17,712 3000 Mk IIIs produced
The early '60s could quite possibly be considered the dawn of
performance roadsters. Of course, hardcore racers had always
whipped fire-breathing drop-tops around various tracks. But the
majority of America's '50s convertibles were big, luxurious, cushy
and way too civilized to take serious turns. That's why spry cars
like this Concours-restored Austin-Healy 3000 Mk III gradually
redefined how the domestic market interpreted open-air motoring.
Small, tossable and extremely fun right out of the box, this
freshly finished roadster is a virtually spotless classic that was
professionally rebuilt by premier marque specialist Kurt Tanner. 1
of only 17,712 Mark IIIs produced, the car is innately exclusive.
And, if you're looking for a fully sorted, fully pedigreed Austin
that's also a blast to drive, it's the 'big Healey' of your
dreams!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Roughly 40 miles out of a detailed reboot, this impressive Mk III
is one of Healy expert Kurt Tanner's fully documented nut-and-bolt
rotisserie restorations. Finished in a smooth coat of Golden Beige
Metallic, the car features top-notch rehab that was completed to
Austin-Healey Club Gold Concours standards, with the ultimate goal
being absolute authenticity. At the front of the car, a mirrored
bumper hangs new overriders beneath chrome-trimmed headlights,
bullet-style parking lamps and a textured grille that's topped by
an ornate header emblem. Above that grille, a subtle hood scoop
leads the eye to chrome-trimmed glass that's capped in clean black
cloth. At the sides of that scoop, classy fender toppers perfectly
complement chrome door handles, polished profile inserts and
sculpted style lines. At the back of those toppers, correct
"Austin-Healey 3000" badging rides between chrome trunk trim,
simple tail lamps, a small gas cap and a second bumper that
features two more overriders. And it all adds up to one lust worthy
3000 that puts most European metal to shame!
ENGINE
Mechanically, this Austin exemplifies top-notch detailing through a
rare twin-carb engine that was completely rebuilt at the time of
the car's ground-up restoration. Tilt the lightweight hood and
you'll find 2.9 liters of 29A 6-cylinder that looks good and runs
great! Based on British Motor Corporation's stalwart C-Series,
Austin's inline mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece. But it's
certainly proven its ability to jet this compact roadster out of
many tight curves, and cruise comfortably in just about any
situation its owners' demanded. At the top of the light green
block, vintage Coopers air cleaners sling wind in to two correct SU
carburetors. At the base of those carbs, a stamped, factory-correct
valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust manifolds. At the base
of that cover, an old school points distributor sequences spark
through fresh Cobalt plug wires. And the car's tight engine bay is
dotted with many show-ready essentials, including a correct
Coventry radiator, a color-keyed generator and a requisite red
finger guard.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Designed to be basic and simple, this micro roadster utilizes a
slew of factory-correct parts to create an exceptionally fun
driving experience. Behind the engine, a rugged 4-speed serves up
an awesome mix of curve-carving prowess and calm highway manners.
Stops come courtesy of manual front disc and rear drum brakes. The
car's chassis, which rides on a familiar set of coil and leaf
springs, has been restored in a subdued mix of beige and black
pigment. A factory manifold, replacement pipes and traditional
mufflers handle exhaust. At the corners of the floor, correct wire
wheels spin 175/80R15 BF Goodrich Touring T/As around fresh
knock-offs. And, as far as appearance goes, the bottom of this 'big
Healey' is exactly what you'd expect from a lightly used
restoration.
INTERIOR
Like its exterior, the interior of this 3000 was completely
rejuvenated during the car's ground-up restoration. Front and
center, small bucket seats sport silver-piped Ambla. In front of
those seats, a correct Walnut-veneer dash centers a retro mirror on
factory heat, restored Smiths telemetry and a locking glovebox.
Beneath that dash, a flowing console frames a petite shifter. Below
that console, plush red carpet provides a supple foundation for a
polished hand brake. In front of the driver, a classy steering
wheel spins a period-correct trafficator. At the sides of the
passengers, scuff-free door panels frame bright chrome hardware.
And behind the cockpit, a small trunk hauls a fifth wire wheel and
fifth Touring tire opposite a Lucas-branded battery.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An Austin-Healey driver's Handbook
Restoration photos
Vintage European metal has aged with more grace than most, wearing
designs that are still capable of turning heads in their basic
factory form. And since they're becoming increasingly scarce,
British offerings like this pedigreed Austin get snapped up almost
as quickly as they hit the market. If you're an enthusiast who
likes to put their hardware on the pavement, few classics deliver
this blend of fun and exclusivity. And, being fresh out of a
Concours-level restoration, this roadster should fare very well at
any gathering you choose to attend!