Austin-Healey 3000 Is Truly A Legend In The Automotive World

Austin-Healey is a car manufacturer from Britain made with the collaboration between the Austin division of British Motor Company (BMC) and Donald Healey Motor Company. Austin-Healey 3000 is a sports car made between 1959 and 1967, the bodywork of the car is made by Jenson Motors, and the vehicles were assembled at the MG’s facility. The 3000 series were also known as Big Healeys as they were the most powerful among the models.

It was a very successful car that won several European rallies in its class, due to which there was a huge demand for these cars. In 1962 more than 90% of the cars were exported to North America due to huge demand.

How it became a legend?

The Austin-Healey 3000 series was extensively raced in Europe at Le Mans and Sebring in the U.S. Healey models raced also raced in the club racing in D, E, F, G, and H production classes and dominated every class by winning the championship in each of them. In 1953, a special version of the Austin-Healey set several land speed records at Bonneville salt flats in Utah at that time.

All the Austin-Healey 3000 iterations launched

There are 4 generations of the Big Healeys, which went into production between 1959 and 1967. They also share a long history of competition and raced on all the circuits around the world.

Mark I BN7, BT7 roadsters

Announced on July, 1st, 1959 with a 3.0-liter BMC 3 series engine to replace the previous car that use to come with a 2.6-liter engine. There were no significant changes from the original 100-6 model as the wheelbase and body style remained the same.

Things like weather protection were also not optimum as the roof is made out of folding plastic, the frame was light and detachable from the body, and you can also demount the side screen. There was a total of 13,650 ever built, where 2,825 BN7 open two-seaters, and 10, 825 BT7 2+2s were built.

Mark II BN7, BT7 Roadster

These were the second generation of the 3000 series of cars, introduced on May 1962 come with several updates from the previous model. Engines were now fitted with Su HS4 carburetors and an improved camshaft for better performance. There were other changes including an updated barred front grille, and a brake servo option was also available, that significantly improve the braking performance of the vehicle.

The production of Mark II BN7 was limited to only 355 cars, however, the BT7 4-seater roadster sold around 5,067 units. Both of the vehicles come with a flat front screen and detachable side curtains to make them proper roadsters.

Mark II BJ7 Sports Convertible

The BJ7 Convertible was introduced by the end of August 1962, it was a comfortable convertible. It came with a new windscreen, swiveling quarter lights, wind-up side windows, and a quick-action folding roof. It shares similar internals with the Mk II BN and BT7, like the triple SU HS6 carburetors, and also produces similar power figures.

Mark III BJ8 Sports Convertible

It was the last iteration of the Austin-Heally 3000 series announced in February 1964, with increased power from 132 hp to 150 hp with a help of a lighter camshaft. Power-assisted brakes also became standard, rather than an option. There were several noticeable improvements in the interior of the vehicle, as well as the speedometer and tachometer, which were placed directly in front of the driver.

The MkIII BJ8 Sports Convertible remained in production until the Austin-Healey 3000 series reached the end of production by late 1967.