Description
1960 AUSTIN-HEALEY 3000 MK1 BT7
399 AYV HIGHLIGHTS
・Original UK Car
・Incredible low mileage Mk1
・Extensive history file with Heritage certificate
・Excellent condition
・Matching numbers
HISTORY
This Healey, 399 AYV, is the more desirable BT7 with the extra rear seats. The Heritage Certificate confirms it was built in January 1960 with the additional options of a laminated windscreen, overdrive gearbox and heater. The substantial history file stretches back to the early 1980s with plenty of documentary evidence to confirm the incredibly low mileage. The earliest recorded owner acquired the car in 1978, and it subsequently spent the next forty odd years in the Exeter area, having just five further owners before I purchased the car in 2021. Each of these owners added a few miles as can be verified by the MOT history and Certificates on file. For example in 1981 it had covered 10, 327 miles, in 1987 that had crept up to 10, 688 and in 2021it had covered 17, 499 miles. It has now covered just 18, 617 miles. It has always had plenty of care and financial attention, particularly in October 2000 when it was stripped down, resprayed and rebuilt, with photos on file.
THE PAPERWORK
The comprehensive history file is full of bills that show more than just regular maintenance. The trail starts in the 1990s culminating in a rebuild and respray in October 2000 for £2, 535. Other bills for maintenance in 2015 alone total £2, 400 for small parts and bushes etc..
Recent expenditure since 2019 includes new seat foam and covers, interior trim and a new mohair hood. The total cost for the purchase and fitting is in excess of £2, 500.
A thorough review and inspection of the vehicle was undertaken by Retro Marques in June 2021 giving it a clean bill of health. It also highlighted a number of minor recommendations all of which have been done.
There are numerous MOTs on file that document the slowly increasing mileage, plus a fine collection of tax discs.
THE INTERIOR
As you would expect the interior is in great condition with smart black leather seats with white piping. The carpets are clean and well fitted. The door cards are all clean with no scuffs to the leather, with useful deep pockets that don’t feature on later cars. The front seats are in excellent condition and the rear seats appear to be unused. The boot is clean and tidy, with paintwork that is as fresh as the exterior. The new hood fits well and the drop in side windows are easy to mount. The side widow Perspex is clear and the sliding sections move freely. There is also a split tonneau cover included which provides shower protection for the interior if parked outside.
THE EXTERIOR
The car is finished in Colorado Red with barely a mark anywhere to be seen on the body as evident in the photographs. The panel fit is excellent and the chrome shines brightly with patina commensurate with its age. The exterior has previously been summed up in one word: “gorgeous”.
THE MECHANICS
The engine is in fine fettle, starting easily every time and showing a good 60 psi oil pressure at tick over. It sounds crisp and raspy. Under the bonnet the engine bay is clean and smart. Underneath all is well, with no obvious leaks or drips, and only the wear you would expect on a car of this age.
THE APPEAL
If you are looking for an early Healey then this one has to be worth considering. There cannot be many that are in such excellent, usable condition. With so much spent over the years, and with such a low mileage, this has to be one of the loveliest Mk1s available.
Vehicle specification
• Year: 1960
• Make: Austin
• Model: 3000 Mk1 BT7
• Colour: Colorado Red
• Odometer: 18, 617 Miles
• Engine size: 2912
