1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 BT7

The 'Big Healey' enjoyed steady development with the early four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100/6 in 1956 which in turn was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The new car featured an enlarged 2,912cc version of Austin's six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors and Girling front disc brakes offering excellent performance and 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. Other changes were minor compared to those between the original 100 and the 100/6. The wheelbase and body were unchanged as were the body-styles, a 2+2 (BT7) and a two-seater BN7.

Built in January 1960 and shipped to Canada in February of the same year, 428 XVB found its first home with a newly qualified dental surgeon in Northern Canada. It served as a well-deserved reward for his qualification and stayed with him for nearly four decades. In 1999, the car changed hands for the first time, acquired by a British expat who embarked on a meticulous ground-up restoration in 2002. Despite facing delays due to health concerns, the restoration was finally completed in late 2006. The extensive work encompassed a full bare-metal rotisserie restoration, leaving no component unattended. The chassis was meticulously examined, sandblasted and brought back to a pristine state, perfectly matching the body colour. The engine underwent a thorough inspection, with the cylinder head receiving a rebuild with hardened valve seats to accommodate modern fuels. Carburettors were meticulously refurbished, the gearbox was fully overhauled and various new parts and mounts were installed. A new wiring loom was meticulously fitted, and the interior received a lavish transformation with quality red leather, a ribbed tonneau cover, a new hood and side screens.

This left-hand drive BT7 was repatriated in 2017, entering the care of its third and current owner. Sitting on a set of sparkling chrome wire wheels, it presents superbly in Colorado Red over Old English White and the professionally retrimmed cockpit in red leather piped in black is about as plush as we have ever seen. The engine starts with the push of a button and runs smoothly without any unwanted noises, a testament to the restoration's quality.

428 XVB is a matching numbers example and is accompanied by a comprehensive history file that contains receipts from the rebuild, a Heritage Certificate, its UK V5C and a photographic record of the restoration. Maintained regularly and stored in a heated garage, the car's condition remains impressive, largely due to its limited mileage since the restoration's completion in 2006. Regular assessments have affirmed that everything ranges from very good to new, with updates and improvements made whenever necessary to uphold the car's remarkable quality.

This is an excellent early 3000 with an interesting history that's in really super condition and ready to go.