Vehicle Description
When Donald Healey unveiled the first "Healey Hundred" prototype in
1952, he did so with both confidence and risk. In the years
following World War II, Donald Healey focused on building
high-quality, low-volume sports cars powered by Riley engines and
sold under his own name, including the Silverstone, Elliott, and
Tickford models. But by the early 1950s, his partnership with Nash
was faltering, supplies of Riley engines were dwindling, and the
financial future of the Donald Healey Motor Company depended on
finding a new path forward. What followed was a fateful meeting
with Leonard Lord, head of the newly formed British Motor
Corporation. Lord, still seeking redemption after the commercial
failure of the Austin A90 Atlantic, saw in Healey's prototype a
chance to re-enter the American market with a sporting image. The
resulting collaboration led to one of the most successful British
sports cars of the postwar era.What began as the Austin-Healey 100
quickly evolved in response to demand for greater performance and
refinement. By 1956, the original four-cylinder engine was replaced
by BMC's smooth, torquey C-Series inline-six, and the new
model-dubbed the 100-6-marked the birth of what would become known
affectionately as the "Big Healey." In 1959, the final evolution of
the original roadster shape arrived as the 3000 Mk I. With its
enlarged 2.9-liter engine, improved gearbox, and front disc brakes,
the 3000 offered a substantial increase in drivability and
performance without compromising the raw, elemental appeal that
defined earlier models. Available in two configurations-the
two-seat BN7 and the 2+2 BT7-the Mk I offered genuine touring
capability while maintaining the character of a true open British
sports car.This 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I BT7 was the recipient
of a full nut and bolt restoration completed in 2010 by the
respected marque specialists at British Motor Corporation. The
restoration was completed to extremely high standards and was used
very sparingly since, and today still presents as very fresh.
Beautifully finished in black, it is a fabulous color choice to
display the Healey's crisp and clean lines. The brightwork remains
exceptional, and the car is fitted with Vredestein sport classic
tires and knock-off, chrome wire wheels, a hallmark of the British
sports car.The red vinyl interior with black piping offers a
dramatic contrast, evoking the classic red-and-black color schemes
that became synonymous with postwar British sports cars. The
cockpit features correct instrumentation and switchgear, along with
a gorgeous wood-rimmed steering wheel, perfect for spirited
driving. A clean, functional dashboard layout caps off the overall
fit and finish, which reflects the quality of the restoration while
showing careful preservation in the years since.Under the bonnet,
the 2,912-cc inline-six delivers 124 horsepower through a
four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. No aspect of the car was
neglected during the restoration, exampled by the correctly
detailed engine bay and tidy undercarriage. All BT7s were factory
equipped with front disc brakes, offering confident stopping power
to match its ample torque and strong midrange performance. A recent
service has been performed to ensure the car is ready for immediate
touring enjoyment. Supporting documentation includes the original
restoration contract and records from prior ownership, confirming
the depth and quality of the work performed. With its sharp
cosmetics, superb mechanicals, and attention to detail, this car
stands apart from more casually restored examples-it has the
substance to match its style.Confident, charismatic, and utterly
classic, this 3000 Mk I BT7 captures everything enthusiasts love
about the Big Healey. Offers welcome, trades considered. For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
