1961 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II Works Rally Replica

The "Big Healey" has long been viewed as one of the ultimate British sports cars of the 1960s; the 3000 being the pinnacle. Development of the line started with the 1952 Healey 100, launched at the London Motor Show. 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 on the racetrack. Its 6-cylinder 2996cc engine gives plenty of torque and the cars are more than capable of long distance touring. Matched with the superb handling and performance upgrades such as front disc brakes and wire wheels which were fitted as standard, the 3000 was a potent 60's performance car.

This BT7 MkII Austin Healey 3000 was built in 1961 and exported new to Philadelphia, USA. It wasn't until 1994 that the car was returned to the UK as a completed restoration project. It was intended to be rebuilt as a faithful replica of the famous works rally car, which ran on "ARX' registration plates.

Fitted with an all aluminium body the attention to detail is fantastic. It has the correct "works' style external jacking points and the modified boot lid that allows room for twin spare wheels. It also has the works-style long range aluminium fuel tank. An original hardtop is fitted with the works-style air vent and the correct grill and spotlights have been fitted for the year of the car.

The engine runs with triple SU HD8 carburettors and it was built using many Denis Welch parts, such as an alloy head and inlet manifolds, forged pistons and a fast road camshaft with modified cam followers and a lightened cam gear. Mated to the engine is a straight cut gearbox with the correct original works "Tulip Rally' ratios.

Uprated suspension is fitted all round, with the use of larger BJ8 type shockers fitted on the rear. A tandem master cylinder system provides braking with adjustable AP brake biasing installed. Thicker front discs and larger calipers have been fitted along with a Denis Welch rear brake disc conversion.

The interior of the car has been kept as 'period' apart from the fitting of a roll cage. The correct bucket seats and full harness belts are also fitted, along with many other rally orientated enhancements. For example a Brantz Retrotrip "Classique' tripmeter is fitted and a 12v four socket outlet has also been built in for the intercom, interior light and GPS systems.

Since being rebuilt, it has competed in many prestigious rallies such as the Liege-Rome-Liege rally, Tours Des Alpes, the Coupes Des Alpes, and also the Morges British Classic Rally in Switzerland. Now fresh and ready to go, with FIVA papers, all it needs now is a driver!