The 'Big' Healey enjoyed steady development, with the early four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100 Six in 1956, which in turn was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The new car featured an enlarged 2912cc version of Austin's six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors and Girling front disc brakes offering excellent performance resulting in the model becoming a great success. The 3000 was only referred to as the Mk. I once the Mk. II model was introduced in 1961. Other changes were minor compared to those between the original 100 and the 100-6. The wheelbase and body were unchanged as were the body-styles, a 2+2 or BT7 and a two-seater BN7.

This fabulous and evocative example of this British sports car has been the subject of a six-year restoration and has been upgraded to fast road/race by Austin Healey specialists Bill Rawles Classic Cars. The build has been carried out and finished to a fantastic standard of finish and experience resulting in a magnificent piece of art and motoring excellence to be driven and enjoyed! To drive this car is an experience to stimulate the soul! A true drivers' car with rich feedback of noise and nostalgia from its twin side exiting exhausts, with a fair handful of race inspiration, but with the sophistication of a fresh new feel thanks to the quality build. The specification includes its original 3000cc engine with all steel crank and rods with Omega pistons, producing 215 bhp on the dyno to the rear wheels, big valve alloy head with Bill Rawles crackle finish rocker cover, triple Weber carbs on Denis Welch inlet manifolds, Denis Welch steel exhaust manifold and side exit exhaust. Centre change gearbox with tulip straight cut gear set, all new bearings and internals, completion overdrive with the switch mounted on the alloy gear knob for quick shifting through the, what is now, a six-speed gearbox. It is fitted with a Quaiffe Limited Slip Differential, all new engine ancillaries/wiring, brakes, servo, brake lines etc! Race anti-roll bar, twin fuel pumps, switched for back up. The body is mostly original panels fully restored to better than new and finished in Jaguar Gunmetal Grey Metallic with the same excellent finish underneath as it is on top. There is a removable front crossmember for easy crank pulley access, adjustable, sliding shock mounts, bespoke subtle flairs to the wheel arches to accommodate the wider six” wheels creating a slight 'waisted' look to the body sides, especially the lower rear quarter panel in front of the rear wheels which looks great! There are race inspired front spot lamps in body colour on very robust black brackets incorporating towing holes, a race inspired front grille with air scope in satin black with lower valence cut out with stainless mesh grill, new six” spoked wheels with new road tyres fitted. The interior has been hand trimmed in Connolly leather (seats and dash top) with grey carpets with mats incorporated. The rear seat area is carpeted for extra internal luggage space. Its original dash is finished in black crackle with the original fully refurbished dials. A new leather rimmed steering wheel with centre horn push and the indicator switch has been moved to the old overdrive position on the dash to the right of the driver and the heated windscreen switched under the dash. There is a new handmade black tonneau cover, new handmade black hood and fully refurbished hood frame and new side screens. This six-year restoration and rebuild has cost the present owner circa £200,000 and the end result is absolutely fantastic. You would not be able to have this car to this standard at this price! It really must be seen to be appreciated - “find another one” as the saying goes! Consigned by James Good

Lot details
Year: 1959
Make: Austin Healey
Model: 3000 Mk. I BT7
Registration: 2761RE
Chassis No: HBT71164
Engine No: 29DRUH1173
Odometer: 25,000

* Six-year £200,000 restoration with Bill Rawles Healey specialists
* Original engine with Dennis Welch input - producing 215bhp