Istorie
In 1962 one of the 3000s advanced to 8th place in the general category at Le Mans 24H race, but retired due to a piston fault. The „Big Healey” was also able to chalk up 40 overall wins at major rallies.
Full description
The Austin-Healey 3000 is considered by many the very epitome of the classic British sports car. It was a car that was highly desirable to so many from its very launch, and one of the few cars that can be said to have attained classic status whilst still in production. That is because since its introduction, this model in particular excelled in many of the major rallies and circuit races of the day. It is the best known of the "big Healey" models. The Big Healey Series started in 1953 with the Austin-Healey 100, followed by the Austin-Healey 100-6 (1956) and then by the final car on this series: the Austin-Healey 3000.
The muscular looking Austin-Healey 3000 was launched in June 1959 with the bodywork being made by Jensen Motors, and assembly carried out at the BMC Abingdon factory. It was a natural progression of its forerunner the 100-6 and featured several improvements over its predecessor. These included an increase in engine capacity from 2639cc to 2912cc, Girling front disc brakes, adjustable front seats and wire wheels as standard. Subtle styling changes were also made to the bodywork, which was produced as both a 2-seater and a 2+2. A factory built hardtop was also available as an optional extra.
The Mk II model was introduced in March 1961, and this featured triple carburettors and a reworked camshaft boosting the engine power to 132bhp. From 1963, the 2-seater model was dropped. The final version of the 3000, the Mk III, appeared in 1964.
In 1962 one of the 3000s advanced to 8th place in the general category at Le Mans 24H race, but retired due to a piston fault. The „Big Healey” was also able to chalk up 40 overall wins at major rallies under the direction of Competition Manager Marcus Chambers.
This particular example is a competition - prepared replica of the works rally cars on the 1960’s. Restored in 1992, the car features triple Weber 45DCOE carburetors, factory-type ventilated hardtop, aluminum radiator, double ventilators, oil cooler, aluminum dashboard, leather trimmed MotoLita steering wheel, bucket seats, competition fuel tank and alloy wheels. The overdrive is functioning on all four forward gears.
In 2013 the car has been completely restored, the engine and suspension have been rebuilt, the body and chassis repaired and the interior refurbished. This car has 31.261 miles (approx. 50,310 km) on board.
