Austin-Healey 3000

Manufacturer	Austin-Healey
Production	1959–1967 42,926
Assembly	Abingdon, England
Predecessor	Austin-Healey 100-6
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2,912 cc (2.9 L) C-Series I6
Wheelbase	92 in (2,337 mm)[1]
Length	157 in (3,988 mm)[1]
Width	60 in (1,524 mm)[1]
Height	46 in (1,168 mm) (Hood down) 49.5 in (1,257 mm) (hard top)[1]
Curb weight	2,550 lb (1,157 kg)

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967, and is the best known of the "big" Healey models. The car's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors, and the vehicles were assembled at the BMC Abingdon works.

The 3000 was a successful car which won its class in many European rallies in its heyday, and is still used in competition by enthusiasts today.

History

The Austin-Healey 3000 was introduced in 1959, replacing the Austin-Healey 100-6. Despite the name change, the changes were relatively minor compared to those between the original 100 and the 100-6. The wheelbase and body remained unchanged, and there remained two models, a 2+2 and a two-seater.

Mk I

Mk I pictured in London

Austin-Healey 3000 MK I (1959) pictured at 39. AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix 2011 Nurburgring

The original Austin Healey 3000 has a 2912 cc I6 engine, with twin SU carburetors and Girling front disc brakes. It was only referred to as the Mark I after the Mark II was released, previously only being known as the 3000. Wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, a laminated windscreen, a heater, an adjustable steering column, a detachable hard top and two tone paint were all available as options.

The original 3000 was built from March 1959 to March 1961 and has model designation BT7 MkI (4-seat version) and BN7 MkI (2-seater).

13,650 were made (2,825 BN7 MkI, and 10,825 BT7 MkI).^[2]

A BT7 3000 with hardtop and overdrive tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 21.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.1 L/100 km; 18.0 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1326 including taxes.^[1]

MkII

Introduced in March 1961, the 3000 Mk II came with three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft, designated the BT7 MkII (4-seat version) and BN7 MkII (2-seat version). However, upon the introduction of the BJ7 (2+2 seats) model in January 1962, the number of carburettors was reduced to two, (SU type HS6) because of the problems experienced with balancing three carburettors. As a result of the introduction of the BJ7, the BN7 MkII was discontinued in March 1962, and the BT7 MkII followed in June 1962. Externally, the main changes introduced with the BJ7 were a vertical barred front grille, wind-up windows rather than side curtains, an improved hood, and a wrap-around windscreen. Optional extras were similar to the MkI, although the option of a factory hardtop was not available from the BJ7's introduction. From August 1961 a brake servo was also available as an optional extra, which greatly improved braking performance. The BJ7 was discontinued in October 1963 with the introduction of the 3000 MkIII.

A 3000 MkII BT7 with hardtop and overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1961 had a top speed of 112.9 mph (181.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1362 including taxes.^[3]

11,564 were made (355 BN7 MkII, 5,096 BT7 MkII, and 6,113 BJ7).^[2]

MkIII

1966 Austin-Healey 3000 (North America)

The 3000 Mk III was launched in October 1963, and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of Austin-Healeys ceased. (One further car was built in March 1968.) Classified as the BJ8, the new model was the most powerful and luxurious of the big Healeys, with a walnut-veneer dash, wind-up windows, and a 150 hp (112 kW) engine. Improvements to the engine included a new camshaft and valve springs, and twin SU 2" HD8 carburetors, together with a new design of exhaust system. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard. Only 2+2 seat versions were made. Option extras were similar to those offered for the MkII, the main change being that the standard interior trim was now Ambla vinyl, with leather seats being added to the list of options.

In May 1964 the Phase II version of the MkIII was released, which had a modified rear chassis to allow rear ground clearance to be increased, and subsequently, in March 1965 the car also gained separate indicators.

17,712 were made.^[2]

Competition

Austin Healey 3000's have a long competition history, and raced at most major racing circuits around the world, including Sebring (USA), Le Mans (France), and Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst (Australia). The BMC competitions department successfully rallied the 3000 from its introduction, but the development of the works cars effectively ended in 1965, mainly because of the success of the Mini Cooper 'S'.

References

Further reading

• Ray Bonds (2003). The Illustrated Directory of Sports Cars. Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-1420-9. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Austin-Healey 3000

• Austin Memories—History of Austin and Longbridge
• Volunteer register with records and photos of the 3000
• Austin Healey 3000 at the Internet Movie Cars Database
• Austin Healey 3000 MkI-MkIII— specifications and technical data in automobile-catalog.com