1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MKI

Lot details
Registration No: YYX 111
Chassis No: HBT78603
Mot Expiry: April 2013

Following its memorable launch at the 1952 London Motorshow, the 'Big' Healey enjoyed steady development, with the early four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six in 1956, which in turn was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. By now the engine capacity had risen to 2912cc and the power output to 124bhp - sufficient to grace the standard car with a 0-60mph time of 11.4 seconds and a top speed of around 115mph. There was the option of Laycock de Normanville overdrive for the four-speed gearbox and braking had been improved by the adoption of discs at the front. There were two body options - a two-seater (BN7) or occasional four-seater (BT7). By the time the MKI 3000 was superseded by the MKII in 1961, a total of 2,825 BN7s and 10,825 BT7s had been produced.

Now Metallic Blue, this very tidy looking, home market BT7 MKI 3000 was originally finished in White and despatched new to the London dealer C G Norman Ltd on April 8th 1960 - the specification included wire wheels, overdrive, heater, laminated windscreen and Dunlop Roadspeed tyres. At some stage in its life, the car's original straight-six engine was apparently replaced by a Jaguar XK one - an anomaly that was corrected in the extensive restoration that took place between 1998 and 2002, and for which there are copious receipts on file. It seems the work was carried out by Stephen Hartwell Automotive Services and the replacement parts supplied by Cape International and AH Spares Ltd. The vendor informs us that only c.10,000 miles have been covered since the work was completed and describes 'YYX 111' as being "usable and very presentable". It comes complete with door mirrors, luggage rack, wood-rim steering wheel, tonneau cover, various old MOT certificates and one valid until April 2013.