Austin-Healey 3000 MkIIa

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Launched to rave reviews 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, wire wheels as standard and a choice of either 2-seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) body styles, while extra money could buy a detachable hardtop roof and overdrive transmission.

The 3000 Mk I remained in production until the arrival of the 132bhp MkII in 1961, soon followed by the MkIIa with wind-up windows, a wrap-around windscreen and a proper ‘convertible’ hood arrangement which added a much needed touch of luxury. The 2-seater option was dropped in 1963 and all subsequent cars were 2+2. In 1964 the final development of the range arrived, the Mk III, with power now hiked to 150bhp and an even more luxurious cockpit with a walnut dash.

This 1963 LHD example has the standard occasional rear seats and was imported from the USA having received a nut-and-bolt restoration by its previous owner. The vendor describes the condition of the floor pans, inner wings and chassis as excellent and the yellow paintwork as superb following a bare metal respray which included removing the engine which has left the engine bay pristine.

The vendor informs us that the chrome is good and that a new set of chrome wire wheels have recently been fitted, the car driving beautifully with a strong, sweet sounding engine. This MkIIa comes with the wind-up windows and better hood arrangement too, a vast improvement over the earlier cars making it a much more civilised grand tourer. A beautiful machine all round, it is MOTd until November 2014.