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Austin-Healey 3000

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Austin-Healey 3000

The Austin-Healey 3000 is probably 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. Quite an achievement then, but not an altogether unexpected one considering the Austin-Healey heritage coupled with its achievements in motor sport. Since its introduction this model in particular excelled in many of the major rallies and circuit races of the day.

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. It is worth noting that this original version of the car became known as the Mk I only after the launch of the Mk II and was never actually badged as Mk I. As with other Austin-Healeys these cars are sometimes referred to by their factory designations with the Mk I 2-seater being known as the BN7 and the 2+2 the BT7.

The Mk II model was introduced in March 1961, and this featured triple S.U. carburettors, and a reworked camshaft boosting the engine power to 132bhp. Minor changes to the cars frontal appearance were made, and an improved hood, windscreen, and wind up side windows were fitted. From 1963 the 2-seater model was dropped.

The final version of the 3000, the Mk III appeared in 1964. This had a further increase in engine power, servo assisted brakes, improved rear suspension and a more luxurious interior, which featured a wood veneer dashboard. By the end of its run, power was up to 148bhp, propelling the car to 60 mph in under ten seconds and allowing a top speed of over 120mph.The 3000 was discontinued in 1968. Today the Austin Healey 3000 probably remains the best known of all the so called Big Healeys.


 

Specifications (typical)

Model

MK I

Mk II

Mk III

Years Produced

1959-1961

1961-1963

1964-1968

Body Type

Steel body, steel chassis

Steel body, steel chassis

Steel body, steel chassis

Length

13ft 1.5in

13ft 1.5in

13ft 1.5in

Width

5ft 0.5in

5ft 0.5in

5ft 0.5in

Weight

2520lb

2553lb

2601lb

Engine

6 cyl inline 2912cc

6 cyl inline 2912cc

6 cyl inline 2912cc

Power

124 bhp @ 4600 rpm

132 bhp @ 4750 rpm

148 bhp @ 4750 rpm

Torque

175lb ft @ 3000 rpm

167lb ft @ 3000 rpm

165lb ft @ 3000 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed with overdrive

4 speed with overdrive

4 speed with overdrive

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Disc front, drum rear

Disc front, drum rear

Disc front, drum rear

Front Suspension

Independent coils, spring and wishbone

Rear Suspension

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

 

Performance (approximate figures)

Model

Mk I

Mk II

Mk III

Top Speed

113 mph

116 mph

122 mph

0-60 mph

11.4 seconds

10.5 seconds

9.8 seconds

Fuel Consumption

20 mpg

20 mpg

20 mpg

 

Factory Designations for "Big Healey" Models

BN1

100/4 1952-55 2 seater, 3 speed o/drive gearbox

BN2

100/4 1959-56 2 seater, 4 speed o/drive gearbox

AHS

100M 1954-56 2 seater

BN4

100/6 1956-1959, 2+2 seating

BN6

100/6 1958-1959, 2 seater

BN7

3000 Mk I 1959-61 & Mk II 1961-62, 2 seater

BT7

3000 Mk I 1959-61 & Mk II 1961-62, 2+2 seating

BJ7

3000 Mk II 1962-63, 2+2 seating

BJ8

Phase 1 3000 Mk III 1964, 2+2 seating

BJ8

Phase 2 3000 Mk III 1964-68, 2+2 seating

 

Useful Links

Austin-Healey Club USA

Austin-Healey 3000 books at Amazon.co.uk

Gallery