1959 Austin Healey 3000 MkI

The Austin Healey 3000 was introduced in March 1959 and was the replacement for the 100/6 model. The new car featured an enlarged 2912cc version of Austin`s six cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors and Girling front disc brakes offering excellent performance resulting in the model becoming a great success. The 3000 was only referred to as the Mk. I once the Mk. II model was introduced in 1961.

This superb Austin Healey 3000 Mk I BT7 is a matching numbers car that was manufactured in May 1959. The car was exported to New Zealand where it spent much of its life until 2004. In the early 1990s the car was subject to a nut and bolt restoration that was completed in 1995. The chassis and body were completely stripped and rebuilt. Where it was necessary new parts were used; including windscreen, new suspension, brakes and steering. However as much of the original car was kept and refurbished to preserve the originality.

The gearbox/overdrive and differential were also completely overhauled. The engine was reconditioned with mostly new parts. The cylinders were re-sleeved, new pistons and rings fitted, a reconditioned crankshaft and rebore was carried out. New hood, tonneau cover and side screens were also fitted at this time. A correspondence between the then owner and restorer shows that both parties were fastidious perfectionists. The car was then acquired by a collector to join his collection of 1950`s and 1960`s predominantly British sports cars. In 2002, his collection of 44 cars including this Healey formed a display at a motor museum in Auckland.

The Healey was repatriated into the UK in 2004 and has been enjoyed ever since. The car looks splendid finished in Colorado red over old English white, complemented by a red leather interior and a wood rimmed MotaLita steering wheel. The mohair hood and side screens are in excellent order. The chrome work is in very good order, in line with the rest of the paintwork, including the underside of the car. An inspection of the substantial history file reveals recent works carried out by UK specialists since its repatriation. This also includes photographs of the restoration, correspondence between owner and restorers, invoices, old tax discs, old MoT certificates. This is a very elegant Healey that appears to require nothing other than an open road.