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 In the quest for more power, the 100-6 superseded the 100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 Healeys, 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. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate shows
this to be a USA-export model, originally delivered to San
Francisco in October of 1961. Believed to be a longtime California
car, it was treated to a complete restoration in the early 2000s,
beginning with a sound and rust free base. It is now finished in a
handsome color combination of black over Reno Red lower panels with
a complementary red interior. Now with approximately 25,000 miles
added since the rotisserie restoration, the car remains in very
good condition, with a pleasing, mellow character. 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
recently refreshed bumpers and trim pieces, and beautiful chrome
Dayton wire wheels. Period correct Michelin 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
period correct red upholstery with black piping and red 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 engine, which was reportedly rebuilt along with the
gearbox and overdrive at the time of restoration. It presents in
proper Healey Green on the block and head, with pleasing detailing
and a neat overall look. 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 considered by many 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. For additional details please view this listing directly on
our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6298-1962-austin-healey-3000-mkii-roadster/
