Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII

Since it was launched in 1959, the 'Big Healey' has gone on to become perhaps the most iconic and sought after of all the hairy-chested British sportscars of the 1960s. Particularly popular on the North American market, the Austin-Healey 3000 (MkI) introduced a number of improvements to the already successful 100-6. The change of model name heralded the more powerful 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine whose 124bhp propelled the car to a top speed of nearly 120mph.

Other improvements included front disc brakes, independent front suspension, wire wheels as standard, and a choice of either 2-seater or 2+2 body styles. Options included a detachable hardtop roof and overdrive transmission. The 3000 MkI remained in production until the arrival of the triple-carb132bhp MkII in 1961, soon followed by a MkIIA with wind-up windows, a wrap-around windscreen and a convertible hood but just two carbs.

The final and ultimate production development of the 3000 range arrived in 1964, the MkIII. With 150bhp and 165lbft of torque now on tap, its 124mph top speed was accessed via a four-speed manual gearbox with optional Laycock overdrive on 3rd and 4th – effectively a six-speed box for effortless cruising at sustained high speeds. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard, and only 2+2 versions were available with Ambla vinyl seats also standard. The rest of the interior was more luxurious than before with more comfortable seats, a nice wood veneered dashboard and a new centre console/gear surround.

In May 1964 the Phase 2 version of the MkIII was released, which benefited from redesigned rear suspension, strengthened splined hubs, improved ground clearance and larger diameter front disc brakes. A sensation right from the start, this really was a case of a good car just getting better and better. Some 42,926 were sold in total before production came to an end in 1967, the vast majority going to the American market.

As its original green log book confirms, this particular car is a rare UK market model that was first registered in January 1966 to Bernard Keasley of London. It is unclear how long he owned it but by 1977 it was in the hands of Paradise Garage, London, who sold it to David Jackson of Alcester. According to a letter from Mr Jackson in the history file, the car was in very good condition when he bought it, apart from the sills which were duly replaced. He also had various parts rechromed and had red scallops painted on the car to match the interior (previously it was white all over).

As he lived mainly in Kenya and only spent about one month a year in the UK, the car was very little used during his ownership and he eventually loaned it to the Stratford Motor Museum who sold it on his behalf to the current owner in 1981. At this point it had only 30,300 miles on the clock, which is believed to be genuine although there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant this.

The current vendor, heavy metal legend Ken ‘KK’ Downing, founder member and lead guitarist of Judas Priest, has also used the car very little during his 30 years’ ownership, adding only 4,000 miles to the clock which now reads some 34,820 (although KK did tell your cataloguer over a couple of beers that he has always had great fun in the car, especially in the company of various young ladies…).

In 1995 the car was valued for insurance purposes by Andre Bloom of Lichfield. In his report he stated that “this vehicle is an extremely low mileage example in superb original condition… Great store is put next to such originality by collectors and… any insurance policy in force should protect the claimant for replacement costs of not less than £30,000” (this report being contained in the history file).

KK has kept the car well maintained including a full suspension overhaul in 1996 with new bushes all round and uprated front shock absorbers. It has also been fitted with new chrome wire wheels and tyres and a stainless steel exhaust. Issued with a fresh MOT just prior to the sale and said to run and drive well, it certainly looks most appealing with a lovely original interior and unusually good panel fit.

Altogether a most superior example of this iconic sportscar, with an interesting history and possibly a very low mileage, which is sure to give its new owner a huge amount of pleasure. KK also tells us that the new owner will be most welcome to come and play a complimentary round of golf on his fabulous new 18-hole course at Astbury Hall near Bridgnorth. Fore!