Vehicle Description
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Roadster
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 MG Works in Abingdon, alongside the corporation's MG
models. During its production life, the car transitioned from an
open sports car, albeit with a child transporting 2 plus 2 option,
to a sports convertible. In 1963, 91.5 percent of all Austin-Healey
3000 cars were exported: mostly to North America. The 3 liter 3000
was a highly successful car which won its class in many European
rallies in its heyday and is still raced in classic car
competitions by enthusiasts today.
For consignment, a 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III roadster, a
premiere British sports car in wonderful condition, ready for road,
show, or exhibit. It's unclear how many Austin-Healey's were
imported to the U.S. in 1967, but some estimates put the number as
low as 510 units. Surely more were imported later, and there are
other years and models that help keep the clubs around the country
very active.
Exterior
Colorado Red is complemented by the black insert, applied with two
stage paint that glistens like the Thames river. The profile is
classically British, the front end cants forward pulling a car that
otherwise leans back with a sloping shoulder line and ends with a
short tail. The chrome is very fine on this car, including the
grille with its vertical strakes, the headlight rings, and the
grille on the prominent hood scoop. Out back, a luggage rack
provides some extra storage flanked by rear lights that are
sculpted into the body of the car, ringed in polished metal, behind
the wraparound chrome bumper and bumper guards. Shiny metal is not
spared for the exhaust either which leaves the car in twin,
upturned tailpipes. The black canvas top is in excellent condition
and its plastic rear window is as clear as glass. More bling on the
corners as 15-inch chrome wire wheels prop this car up on blackwall
tires. A few small scratches on the black paint make up the
entirety of imperfections we could find.
Interior
High quality Ambla vinyl covers the interior beginning with the
simple black door panels and continuing on to the front bucket
seats with tuck and roll patterned inserts and bright red piping.
Two small seats reside in the back draped in the same material and
colors, while the rear walls are stitched in a square quilted
pattern, red piping included and look fantastic. A long padded
center console that serves as the armrest and flows to the back
seat is coordinated with black vinyl and red piping that pops. A
banjo style steering wheel gives way to a rich burlwood dashboard
with black faced, chrome rimmed gauges that just smell of class.
The black backed center stack has vent controls, a row of toggle
switches, a speaker, and AM radio just before it heads rearward to
house the wood knobbed shifter in black boot. The passenger has a
pleasant view of the burlwood glove box and padded black dash cover
while underfoot is black loop carpet in great condition. The lined
boot contains a covered spare and the battery and is also
clean.
Drivetrain
Clean, with a factory fresh look, the 177.7ci inline 6-cylinder
fits tidily in the bay where it puts out 150 horsepower. A pair of
SU carburetors supplies the petrol while a 4-speed manual with the
Laylock-De-Normanville overdrive sets the car in motion. Power is
sent to the rear wheels and 3.909 gears while disc brakes live up
front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
It's immaculate underneath and what's not painted black is painted
glossy red. The polished stainless steel exhaust is amazing and
sends dual pipes through stainless mufflers and then exit through
shiny exposed tailpipes. It's rare to have a car that we'd
encourage polishing on the underside, but this one clearly has been
cleaned and would benefit from being included in your detailing
regiment. Meanwhile, coil springs are equipped up front and leaf
springs in the back. A few drops of oil are noted on the oil pan
but are inconsequential.
Drive-Ability
Does it run as good as it looks? Well, yes, with a few notes on the
way. As it happens, the engine is eager and willing, and the
handling is level and low. Shifting is smooth and slowing is
reliable and the whole experience just puts a smile on your face.
However, the following things were found to be inoperable; the
horn, the tachometer, the heater blower, and the radio. We also
note a vacuum leak.
If Austin-Healeys have been on your radar for some time, and you
simply haven't found the right one, take a good look at this
restored example because it's one of the finest we've seen. No car
is perfect so don't let those pesky dysfunctional items get in the
way of you getting the car of your dreams. What's black and red and
chrome all over? Perhaps your next purchase.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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