1964 Austin Healey Mark IIA (BJ7) - 'Works Rally Replica'

BMC's development of the Big Healey for rallying had started in 1958 with the 2.6-litre 100/6 model that debuted in that year's Monte Carlo Rally driven by Tommy Wisdom. By the time the new 2.9-litre 3000 model took over mid way through 1959, the 100/6 had demonstrated considerable promise, achieving a number of leader-board finishes, the best of which was Jack Sears' class win in the 1959 Tulip Rally.

Although the Big Healey retained a separate chassis and body in traditional sports car fashion, these two components were welded together to form a structure of greatly increased strength and rigidity. Wherever possible, body panels - wings, doors, and bonnet included - were fabricated in aluminium rather than steel to save weight, the boot lid was also made of aluminium and gained a distinctive upward extension to accommodate twin spare wheels. To protect the low-slung under-body, 'bash' plates were invariably employed. This lack of ground clearance was the car's greatest weakness, explaining the works' policy of running them 'nose up' to avoid grounding the sump. Lack of rear suspension travel was another disadvantage, not addressed until the introduction of dipped rear chassis rails from 1961.  Other essential competition modifications included four-wheel disc brakes, close-ratio gears and a limited-slip differential.

The Big Healey's first major success was gained in 1960 when Pat Moss, partnered by co-driver Ann Wisdom, having finished second in the Alpine, then made history by winning the gruelling Liège-Rome-Liège (Marathon de la Route) event outright. It was the first occasion that a woman had won a major international rally. The following year the Morley twins - Don and Eric - won the Alpine Rally outright, a feat they repeated in 1962. Big Healeys were regular class winners and frequently took the team award; though in the face of increasing competition, not least from the Mini Cooper, outright wins were comparatively few. The car's final outright victories came in 1964 when Paddy Hopkirk won the Austrian Alpine Rally and Rauno Aaltonen the last Marathon de la Route held on public roads, which on this occasion followed a Spa-Sofia-Liège route.

In road car terms, the 3000 Mark II (BN7) was introduced in March 1961 with a higher performance camshaft and, initially, a trio of SU HS4 carburettors which turned out to be difficult to balance and were replaced with twin HS6s with the arrival of the BJ7 in January 1962. Known as the 'Mark IIA', the BJ7 differed by having wind-up windows and a wrap-around windscreen and could be identified externally by a vertical barred front grille.

From its Heritage Certificate we can see that the fabulous left-hand drive Healey 3000 BJ7 on offer here started life in late June 1963 and was ordered with wire wheels, overdrive, a heater, adjustable steering column, tonneau cover, white-wall tyres and a laminated windscreen. It was subsequently despatched to the USA on July the 22nd of that year and returned home to the UK many years later.

Around 18 years ago, our vendor decided that EBW 195B was in need of a substantial restoration and thought it would be a great idea to create an homage to the ‘Works’ cars from 1964 with a few concessions to modern motoring. The car is finally finished and the result is truly spectacular. Traditionally presented in Colorado Red with an Ivory 'Works’- style hardtop its appearance is outstanding, the paintwork displays a deep shine and the panel gaps are factory quality reflecting the exacting detail that has gone into this restoration. The level of attention carries through into the interior which is superbly finished and correctly equipped with black leather bucket seats piped in red, TRS full harnesses, twin timing clocks, DWR drilled pedals, factory-style overdrive switch on the gear lever and a Moto-Lita wood-rim wheel.

Motivation comes from the traditional 3-litre straight-six breathing through triple 1¾’’ SU carburettors with gasses exiting through the purposeful stainless steel side-exit exhaust and the electrical system is now supplied through an alternator. With the recent fitting of a Dennis Welch Racing alloy head and rocker cover, the engine bay is superbly detailed and is a credit to all those involved in the restoration. In addition, the brakes have been uprated and drive is via an overdrive gearbox and limited-slip-differential.

The history file is as you would expect from 18-years ownership, excellent with detailed invoices and photos of the restoration combined with more recent works with Healey specialists, JME, including a full shakedown and tune in April 2021 before a brake overhaul in June 2021 with electronic ignition added. It would not be possible to replicate this lovely Healey at our guide price and we encourage interested parties to come along to Race Retro and admire this fastidious restoration for themselves.