1962 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MKII ROADSTER
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In the quest for more power, the 100-6 superseded the 100 in 1956, based around BMC’s 2.6-liter C-Series inline-six borrowed from the full-size Austin Westminster saloon.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 Healey’s, 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. According to the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, it is an original left-hand drive North American Export model produced to USA specification. Following production during mid-September 1961, it was despatched to the United States on 21 September 1961. Factory-fitted equipment included wire wheels, an adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, overdrive, and a speedometer calibrated in miles-per-hour.
An older restoration, it is presented in its original colors of Healey Blue Metallic over a dark blue interior, and it has been well maintained and enjoyed in the hands of the most recent owner. 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 beautiful chrome Dayton wire wheels. Brand new Vredestein 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 a blue interior piped in white and matching blue 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, numbers matching 2,912 cc engine. It presents in proper Healey Green on the block and head, with pleasing detailing and an aluminum valve cover. 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 often considered by 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.
Offers welcome and trades considered
Price on request
STOCK NUMBER 7655
