Vehicle Description
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 cars like
this spry 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 fully sorted roadster is a
virtually spotless classic that was professionally rebuilt by
premier marque specialist Von Patterson. 1 of only 17,712 Mark IIIs
produced, the car is innately exclusive. And, if you're looking for
a first-class Austin that's also a blast to drive, it's the 'big
Healey' of your dreams!
APPEARANCE
Purchased by its current steward way back in 1976, this awesome Mk
III is the beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration
that was conducted by award-winning Healey expert Von Patterson.
That 2-year rebuild, initiated just as the car accumulated a solid
40K miles, was applied to a solid, rust-free canvas that had never
been mothballed or taken off the road. And today, stored in a
climate-controlled garage since the completion of its acute rehab,
this Austin looks appropriately dignified under a correct coat of
Colorado Red 2-stage.
At the front of this roadster's tidy body, a mirrored bumper hangs
polished 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 canvas. At the
sides of that scoop, classy fender toppers perfectly complement
chrome door handles, polished profile inserts and elegant,
fender-mount mirrors. At the back of those toppers, a
chrome-trimmed trunk centers a locking handle between a power
antenna, a polished fuel cap and correct "Austin-Healey 3000"
badging. And beneath that trunk, a second mirrored bumper centers
two more polished overriders between simple tail lamps.
POWER
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. Lift 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
between a Lucas coil and pliable plug wires. And the car's tight
engine bay is dotted with many show-ready essentials, including a
color-keyed generator a beefy Hovis radiator, and a requisite red
finger guard.
RIDE & HANDLING
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 a combination of disc and drum brakes. The
car's chassis, incorporating a slightly raised suspension, has been
restored in a polar mix of red and black pigment. Exhaust duties
are handled by replacement pipes and a traditional muffler. At the
corners of the floor, correct wire wheels spin 165R15 Firestone
F-560s around polished knock-offs. And, as far as appearance goes,
the bottom of this 'big Healey' is exactly what you'd expect from a
gently enjoyed restoration.
COMFORT
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 centers a petite shifter
behind a ProAudio CD player, which thumps through big Aria kick
speakers. Clean carpet, protected by Healey-themed floor mats,
provides a supple foundation for a polished hand brake. In front of
the driver, a classy Moto-Lita 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 full-size spare
opposite a modern battery.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND
ACCESSORIES
Restoration receipts
A Driver's Handbook
A fire extinguisher
Miscellaneous tools
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 choice 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, as the product of expert
restoration, this roadster should fare very well at any gathering
you choose to attend!
SUMMARY
Ground-up restoration conducted by premier marque specialist Von
Patterson
In the care of its current owner for the past 42 years
Correct 2.9 liter British Motor Corporation 29A 6-cylinder /
Correct twin SU carburetion
Correct 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Colorado Red paint / Correct wire wheels
Black Ambla interior / Modern audio
Slightly raised suspension
Power front disc and rear drum brakes
1 of only 17,712 3000 Mk IIIs produced
