1961 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 1 (BT7) to Rally Spec

The Austin Healey 3000 has become one of the best-known British classic cars of the 1950s and 1960s following spectacular success in international rallying and circuit racing. A development of the Austin Healey 100-6, itself born of the four-cylinder 100, the 3000 was launched in March 1959 and was a significant improvement on the earlier cars featuring front disc brakes, wire wheels as standard and a more powerful (124bhp) 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine, ensuring a top speed of approximately 120mph. There was also a choice of two seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) body styles. The new 3000 was an instant success on the road, on the track and on the rally stage and has enjoyed a large club following ever since.

Originally delivered new to Paris in 1961, it's believed that this Big Healey’s competition background commenced soon after rolling off the production line with the vehicle being shipped to Canada later that year to participate in the Canadian Winter Rally.  Returning to the UK in the 1980s, the Healey was purchased by well known and respected Historic Rally Champion, Paul Howcroft, who commissioned Bob Brain, the renowned historic rally preparation specialist, to work his magic on the BT7. A full and extensive rebuild followed including conversion to right-hand drive format resulting in the Healey as we see it today.

The extensive specification includes a superb body clad externally in aluminium panels finished in BMC Competition Racing Green with an Old English White factory hard top, a full roll-cage, a 'fast road' engine incorporating an alloy cylinder head with triple Weber carburettors, six-branch manifold, a straight-cut Tulip gearbox, alloy fuel tank, all round disc brakes, Minilite knock-on alloy wheels and a competition-style interior.

Campaigned in historic rally events over the years with great success and remaining in outstanding condition throughout, the opportunity now arises for the next custodian to continue this venerable Healey's onward journey be that as a 'fast road' endurance car, an historic rally car or possibly further uprating to an FIA race car. An exciting opportunity with numerous possibilities and most of the hard work has been done.