Description
Austin Healey 3000 MK1 BT7 from 1960
Inline six-cylinder 3. 0 L engine (2931 cc) - 124 bhp - 16 PS.
4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive
Colour: Exterior British Racing Green and interior Fauve (tan/ beige)
Mileage: 57, 000 miles (five-digit odometer) / 92, 000 km not guaranteed
First registration: 02/ 01/ 1960
Chassis number: HBT7L / 1501
Price €62, 000, negotiable after viewing.
Preamble: To attract more potential buyers, I have removed the front and rear bumpers and fitted long-range lights at the front to give it a sportier touch. Of course, returning to the original version is very easy and quick.
History: This car was delivered new to the United States in 1960. The technical file and existing invoices identify two American owners residing on the East Coast between 2004 and 2016. Imported into France in 2021 by a professional seller from whom I bought it in March 2022. I’m parting with it with regret to pursue another automotive project.
Condition: The car is in very good overall condition, both aesthetically and mechanically. Its handsome “English green” colour draws admiring glances and features in many photos at rallies.
Exterior: The bodywork is in very good condition. It was completely repainted in 2004/ 2005 (photos available). The paint still looks good, retains its shine and nice reflections. No major defects, just 3 or 4 paint chips. The chrome work is bright as the body. The wire wheels and the knock-offs are chromed, 70 spokes and 15-inch diameter. The black fabric hood is in good condition and watertight. A beautiful beige tonneau cover matching the upholstery, in the same fabric and of substantial thickness, adds character to the car. To complete the set, a new set of side screens is present and very handy in a mistral!
Interior: The cabin presents a very good appearance in beige tones, upholstery, dashboard, door trims and carpeting. The leather seats, about fifteen years old, offer good support and are not damaged. A green piping detail echoing the bodywork adds contrast. The Smiths instrumentation and gauges are fully functional. A set of vintage-looking vertical safety belts may reassure … the passenger!
Mechanical: The engine overhaul as well as numerous components of the driveline were overhauled in 2004/ 2005. The invoices document all of this along with the regular maintenance carried out over the years. The electric fuel pump and electronic ignition mean it starts at the drop of a hat, even after more than a month’s pause. The engine and stainless steel exhausts produce a superb rumble that changes tone as the revs rise… what a pleasure! In hot Provençal heat, over mountain passes and in traffic jams, the car does not overheat or lose oil. It does not smoke either. The gearbox and overdrive shift well, gears are well-guided and do not crunch. Since purchase, I had an oil-leak hunt performed which has greatly reduced leaks – a recurring issue on these charming English cars!
Chassis and underside: The sills are sound. As with the bodywork, there is no trace of corrosion or rust. The road manners of this car are markedly improved by the presence of four Bilstein gas dampers which, for example, allow smooth passage over speed bumps and raise the car slightly to reduce rubbing of the lower parts of the car, a chronic issue on this model.
Documents: French registration certificate and collection. File of invoices and photos of the major 2004/ 05 restoration. Report from March 2022.
