Austin-Healey 3000 - World Of Classic Cars - Rank 66

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967, and is the best known of the "big" Healey models. The car's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors, and the vehicles were assembled at the BMC Abingdon works.

Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Convertible 1965

The 3000 was a successful car which won its class in many European rallies in its heyday, and is still used in competition by enthusiasts today.
The Austin-Healey 3000 was introduced in 1959, replacing the Austin-Healey 100-6. Despite the name change, the changes were relatively minor compared to those between the original 100 and the 100-6. The wheelbase and body remained unchanged, and there remained two models, a 2+2 and a two-seater.

Mark I 

Austin-Healey 3000 Mark I BT7 Roadster 1960

The original Austin Healey 3000 has a 2912 cc I6 engine, with twin SU carburetors and Girling front disc brakes. It was only referred to as the Mark I after the Mark II was released, previously only being known as the 3000. Wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, a laminated windscreen, a heater, an adjustable steering column, a detachable hard top and two tone paint were all available as options.
The original 3000 was built from March 1959 to March 1961 and has model designation BT7 Mark I (4-seat version) and BN7 Mark I (2-seater).

Austin-Healey 3000 MKI BT-7 Roadster 1959

A total of 13,650 were made (2,825 BN7 Mark I, and 10,825 BT7 Mark I).
A BT7 3000 with hardtop and overdrive tested by The Motor magazine in 1960 had a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 21.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.1 L/100 km; 18.0 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1326 including taxes.

Mark II

Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II Convertible 1963

Introduced in March 1961, the 3000 Mark II came with three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft, designated the BT7 Mark II (4-seat version) and BN7 Mark II (2-seat version). However, upon the introduction of the BJ7 (2+2 seats) model in January 1962, the number of carburettors was reduced to two, (SU type HS6) because of the problems experienced with balancing three carburettors. As a result of the introduction of the BJ7, the BN7 Mark II was discontinued in March 1962, and the BT7 Mark II followed in June 1962. Externally, the main changes introduced with the BJ7 were a vertical barred front grille, wind-up windows rather than side curtains, an improved hood, and a wrap-around windscreen. Optional extras were similar to the Mark I, although the option of a factory hardtop was not available from the BJ7's introduction. From August 1961 a brake servo was also available as an optional extra, which greatly improved braking performance. The BJ7 was discontinued in October 1963 with the introduction of the 3000 Mark III.

Austin-Healey 3000 MK II BT7 Roadster 1962

A 3000 Mark II BT7 with hardtop and overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1961 had a top speed of 112.9 mph (181.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1362 including taxes.
A total of 11,564 were made: 355 BN7 Mark II, 5,096 BT7 Mark II, and 6,113 BJ7.

Mark III

Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8 Roadster 1967

The 3000 Mark III was launched in October 1963, and remained in production until the end of 1967 when production of Austin-Healeys ceased. (One further car was built in March 1968.) Classified as the BJ8, the new model was the most powerful and luxurious of the big Healeys, with a walnut-veneer dash, wind-up windows, and a 150 hp (112 kW) engine. Improvements to the engine included a new camshaft and valve springs, and twin SU 2" HD8 carburetors, together with a new design of exhaust system. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard. Only 2+2 seat versions were made. Option extras were similar to those offered for the Mark II, the main change being that the standard interior trim was now Ambla vinyl, with leather seats being added to the list of options.

Austin-Healey 3000 BJ8 MK III Convertible 1965

In May 1964 the Phase II version of the Mark III was released, which had a modified rear chassis to allow rear ground clearance to be increased, and subsequently, in March 1965 the car also gained separate indicators.
A total of 17,712 were made.

Competitions

Austin Healey 3000's have a long competition history, and raced at most major racing circuits around the world, including Sebring (USA), Le Mans (France), and Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst(Australia). The BMC competitions department successfully rallied the 3000 from its introduction, but the development of the works cars effectively ended in 1965, mainly because of the success of the Mini Cooper 'S'.