1960 | Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I (BT7)

Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Top speed: 200 km/h
Interior colour: blue
Registration number: AR-22-11
Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl sales@metropole.nl

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car that was built from 1959 to 1967. It is the best-known model of the "big Healey". During its production, the car changed from an open sports car, albeit with a 2+2 option for carrying children, to a sports convertible. In 1963, 91.5 percent of all Austin-Healey 3000s were exported, mainly to North America. The 3-litre 3000 was a very successful car, winning its class in many European rallies in its heyday and is still used by enthusiasts in classic car competitions.

Mark I
BN7, BT7 roadsters
The Austin-Healey 3000 was announced on 1 July 1959 with a 3-litre BMC C-Series engine replacing the smaller 2.6-litre engine of the 100-6 and disc brakes on the front wheels. Other changes were minimal compared to those between the original 100 and the 100-6. The wheelbase and bodywork remained unchanged, as did the body styles: a 2+2 or BT7 and a two-seater BN7.

Weather protection was minimal, with a folding plastic roof on a lightweight, detachable frame and removable side screens with sliding plexiglass panels above the doors. Wire wheels, an overdrive gearbox, a laminated windscreen, heating, an adjustable steering column, a removable hardtop for the 2+2 and two-tone paintwork were available as options.

This Austin Healey presented here was imported from the USA in 2005. It was restored by Mr. Fransman in Healey Blue. The bodywork was done by Dijkhof in Achterveld who made a beautiful car out of it. The bodywork cost € 24,000. Furthermore, the interior was renewed together with the clutch plate, the brakes and the differential. After he was done he went to the speed centre in Geldermalsen. Here the test equipment indicated that the engine had approximately 160 HP but ran irregularly. Then to Jan Rorije in Belgium and he was less enthusiastic about the engine after which it was taken apart again. Now to Brons Techniek in Zeist to assemble the parts that were supplied by Dennis Welch. An aluminium head was installed, new pistons, new 45 mm Webers and a water pump and much more from Dennis Welch. After this the engine changed into a well-running Fast Road version. Total costs are over €70,000,-

A beautiful Healey is now ready for the next user, with hardtop and a fast engine that currently delivers 170 hp and also runs beautifully. A Healey for the fervent enthusiast.