THE BIG HEALEY
The "Big Healey" retained the essence of its curvaceous long hood/short deck progenitor, the Austin-Healey 100/4 roadster of 1953. Designed as a sports car and indeed quite successful in rallying and racing, the Austin-Healey had by 1960 evolved into the far more civilized and capable machine as offered here. The enlargement of its six-cylinder engine to 2,912cc and the adoption of Girling front disc brakes differentiated the new-for-1959 Austin-Healey 3000 from the preceding 100/6. Contemporary road tests typically recorded performance figures of 114mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of approximately 11 seconds.
In 1960, the second production year for the six-cylinder Healey's, the marque saw great success on the competitive international rally scene, winning the Liege-Rome-Liege, Coupes des Dames in Geneva and the Tulip Rally. With partial alloy bodies, these cars were light enough to perform admirably with extra power of the three-liter engine.
OUR HEALEY
This beautiful example is an early 3000, later named the MK.I. This is a left hand drive BT7 example with a lovely maintenance file. The car is a two-tone British Racing Green over Cream white example with a black interior and soft top.
The car has heating, chrome spoke wheels, an overdrive and left the factory on February 20th 1960.
The Healey's early history remains a bit vague, but by the 2001, it came to Europe and started to build a nice maintenance record. Body and mechanics were entirely overhauled with photo's and files recording this. Paint is very nice, chrome looks perfect, mechanics are very sound,...
Today this charming BT7 presents beautifully in and out. The car belonged to a customer's collection and is now looking for a new owner!
Capable of highway speeds – especially with overdrive engaged -- these cars are very usable, even retaining a degree of relative practicality, and parts are readily available. A Healey is a wonderful classic for rallies or Concours events, or simply a weekend getaway in classic British style -- with room for luggage!
HISTORY