The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 until 1967. It is the best known of the “big Healey” models. The car’s bodywork was made by Jensen Motors and the vehicles were assembled at BMC’s MG Works in Abingdon, alongside BMC’s MG models.
Austin-Healey 3000 (Big Healey) at a glance
| Produced | 1959 to 1967 |
|---|---|
| Announced | 1 July 1959 |
| Engine | 3-litre BMC C-series, replacing the 2.6-litre of the 100-6 |
| Brakes | disc brakes at the front wheels |
| Body | by Jensen Motors; assembled at MG Works, Abingdon |
| Mark I | 13,650 built: 2,825 BN7 two-seaters and 10,825 BT7 2+2s |
| Exports | 91.5 percent exported in 1963, mostly to North America |
| Successor | the MGC, with a similar engine in a monocoque |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only (a trusted source), so the facts were not cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Austin-Healey 3000 (Big Healey)
The 3000 was announced on 1 July 1959 with a 3-litre BMC C-series engine to replace the smaller 2.6-litre engine of the 100-6, and with disc brakes at the front wheels. The makers claimed 60 mph in 11 seconds and 100 mph in 31 seconds. Other changes were minor: the wheelbase and body were unchanged, and the styles remained the 2+2 (BT7) and the two-seater (BN7). Weather protection stayed minimal, with a folding plastic roof and detachable side screens.
Options included wire wheels, an overdrive gearbox, a laminated windscreen, a heater, an adjustable steering column, a detachable hard top for the 2+2 and two-tone paint. A BT7 with hardtop and overdrive tested by The Motor in 1960 reached 115 mph (185 km/h) and 0–60 mph in 11.7 seconds, at 21.6 mpg, and cost £1326 including taxes.
Mark II and beyond
Engines with three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft were announced at the end of May 1961, together with a vertical barred front grille; from August 1961 a brake servo was optional. During its production life the car changed from an open sports car to a sports convertible. It won its class in many European rallies and is still raced by enthusiasts. BMC ended manufacture in 1967, filling its place with the MGC.
Design and features
- Engine: a 3-litre BMC C-series six.
- Brakes: front discs from the start.
- Build: Jensen bodies, assembled at Abingdon.
Austin-Healey 3000 (Big Healey) versions
- Mark I (1959–1961): BN7 two-seater, BT7 2+2.
- Mark II (1961–): three carburettors.
- Mark III: the later convertible.
More Austin cars are in our Austin collection, for example the Sprite, the A90 and the A99.
Austin-Healey 3000 (Big Healey) questions and answers
When was the Austin-Healey 3000 built?
From 1959 to 1967.
Who made the body?
Jensen Motors.
Where was it assembled?
At BMC’s MG Works in Abingdon.
What engine did it have?
A 3-litre BMC C-series.
What replaced it?
The MGC.
Video: Austin Healey 3000 Rally car – Road test – HD – Great sound!
Video by Timo Makinen on YouTube.
Sources
- Austin-Healey 3000, English Wikipedia: history and Marks I and II
