Austin-Healey 3000 MkI

The 'Big Healey' soon carved a reputation for being a proper sports car, a full blooded, testosterone filled, hairy chested bruiser – just what the hungry US market demanded and a more than worthy successor to the lithe but somewhat underpowered (for the US at any rate) 100-4. 

The Healey 100-6 soon gave way to the Healey 3000, later to be referred to as the MK1, which offered even more power than the 100-6 with 124bhp in standard trim, sufficient to propel the car to very nearly 120mph. Front discs and wire wheels became standard and a choice of body styles, a 2-seater or a 2+2 gave the new car an even wider appeal. The 3000 was to remain in production until the MKII arrived in 1961, which added more to comfort and convenience than performance.

Austin-Healeys had always proved themselves as an ideal basis for further development, both on the circuits and in international rallying. The big engine of the 3000 could easily be persuaded to produce far more power than in standard form and was reliable with it. The well managed and funded BMC competitions department was very successful, developing the big Healey into a formidable rally machine, only changing direction when the surprise competitiveness of the diminutive Minis came to the fore.

Such was the nature of the competition Healeys that they remain very effective machines in the ever popular classic rallies of today. Toughness, reliability and speed is a winning combination and it is no surprise that many cars have been rebuilt to mimic the well-proven “works” rally specification.

This prime example was originally exported to the US with left-hand drive as were the majority of 3000s when new. It was repatriated in 1979 and a restoration was started. Work stalled and the project was taken over by a Mr. Snow who clearly got the job finished properly. A veteran of a number of restorations, photographs show the extent of the work which took the car right back to the shell.

He then proceeded to build the car up for rallying, adding a replica works boot lid, hard top and side vents, period Lucas spot lights and Cibie headlights - making the car look very much the part.

The vendor purchased the car from Mr. Snow in July 2001 to use competitively. He has undertaken considerable further preparation work to bring it up to the standard we see here. Much of the work has been undertaken by well known rally preparation expert Graham Quick of Quick Motorsport, with many bills to show the extent of the work done.

The engine has two 2” SU carburettors, a remote oil filter, reconditioned radiator, Kenlowe fan, new water pump and is fed by a Facet pump and separate filter unit. The original gearbox was rather slow to change gear in the heat of competition so in 2002 the vendor changed it for a shorter shift top-entry gearbox although the original side-entry does accompany the car. It is fitted with over-drive.

Other essential rally items include a professional trip meter, navigator's 'potty', a cooling fan for the navigator, internal lights, under-bonnet light, an extinguisher, roll cage, Sparco seats and TRS 4-point harnesses for both driver and passenger. A major overhaul as recently as late 2011 included a new battery and the car sits on good Yokohama A321 tyres and is MOTd until September 2013.

When photographing the car it started instantly and sounded lovely. It has always lived in a de-humidified garage when not in use and comes with a huge history file relating to its time back in the UK including 15 MOTs and FIVA certificate.

The vendor has reluctantly decided to part with it only because his navigator has called time, but not before they proved themselves with a highly creditable second in class on the Classic Malts and strong finishes in the Rally of Belgium and the Swiss Mountain Rally. This well-proven, thoroughly prepared and most attractive machine looks like a lot of fun for the money and is just itching to win more silverware in the hands of an enthusiastic new owner.