Austin-Healey 3000
Best-known big Healey, class-winning rally car from 1959 to 1967.
The Austin-Healey 3000, a British sports car, was manufactured from 1959 to 1967 and stands as the most recognized of the "big Healey" line. Jensen Motors crafted the bodywork, while final assembly took place at BMC's MG Works in Abingdon, alongside MG models. Over its production run, the vehicle evolved from an open sports car—available with a 2+2 seating option for children—into a sports convertible. In 1963, 91.5 percent of all 3000s were exported, mainly to North America. The 3-litre engine made it a class winner in numerous European rallies during its prime, and enthusiasts continue to race it in classic car competitions today. British Motor Corporation ended production in 1967, replacing it with the MGC, an MGB variant featuring a similar but new engine in a newer monocoque chassis.
The Mark I (BN7 and BT7 roadsters) debuted on 1 July 1959, swapping the 100-6’s 2.6-litre engine for a 3-litre BMC C-Series unit and adding front disc brakes. The manufacturer claimed a 0–60 mph time of 11 seconds and 0–100 mph in 31 seconds. Other changes from the 100-6 were minor; the wheelbase, body, and styles—a two-seater BN7 and a 2+2 BT7—remained unchanged. Weather protection was basic: a folding plastic roof on a light frame and detachable side screens with sliding perspex panels. Options included wire wheels, overdrive, laminated windscreen, heater, adjustable steering column, detachable hardtop for the 2+2, and two-tone paint. A total of 13,650 Mark Is were built: 2,825 BN7s and 10,825 BT7s. *The Motor* magazine tested a BT7 with hardtop and overdrive in 1960, recording a top speed of 115 mph, 0–60 mph in 11.7 seconds, and fuel consumption of 21.6 mpg; the test car cost £1,326 including taxes.
The Mark II (BN7 and BT7 roadsters) arrived at the end of May 1961, featuring three SU HS4 carburetors and an improved camshaft, plus a vertical-barred front grille. Options mirrored the Mark I, with a brake servo added from August 1961. These were the last true Big Healey roadsters; the BN7 Mark II ended in March 1962, and the BT7 Mark II in June 1962. *The Motor* tested a BT7 Mark II (699DON) with hardtop and overdrive in 1961, achieving 112.9 mph, 0–60 mph in 10.9 seconds, and 23.5 mpg; the test car cost £1,362. A total of 11,564 Mark IIs were made: 355 BN7s, 5,096 BT7s, and 6,113 BJ7s.
Quick Facts
- Assembly
- United Kingdom: Abingdon, England
- Manufacturer
- Austin-Healey (BMC)
- Production
- 1959–1967
- Predecessor
- Austin-Healey 100-6
- Successor
- MG MGC
- Class
- Sports car
- Layout
- FR layout
- Engine
- 2912 cc C-Series I6
- Length
- 157 in
- Height
- 46 in (Hood down) / 49.5 in (hard top)
- Weight
- 2550 lb
- Wheelbase
- 92 in · Track 49 in (front)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Austin-Healey 3000 was announced on 1 July 1959, replacing the 100-6 with a 3-litre BMC C-Series engine and front disc brakes. The wheelbase and body were unchanged from the 100-6, with two body styles: a 2+2 (BT7) and a two-seater (BN7). Weather protection was minimal, with a folding plastic roof and detachable side screens. Options included wire wheels, overdrive, a laminated windscreen, heater, adjustable steering column, detachable hardtop for the 2+2, and two-tone paint. 13,650 Mark Is were built.
The Mark II, announced in May 1961, featured three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft, plus a vertical barred front grille. A brake servo became optional from August 1961. The Mark II roadsters were discontinued in 1962. The BJ7 sports convertible launched in August 1962 with a wrap-around windscreen, wind-up windows, and a quick-action folding roof, using twin SU HS6 carburettors. 11,564 Mark IIs were made.
The Mark III BJ8 arrived in February 1964 with power increased to 150 bhp via a higher-lift camshaft and larger SU HD8 carburettors. Power-assisted braking became standard. A Phase II version in May 1964 gained ground clearance, and separate indicator lights were added in March 1965. 17,712 Mark IIIs were built. Three Mark IV prototypes were finished in 1966–1967 with a 3.9-litre Rolls-Royce engine and wider bodywork, but the model ended in 1967, replaced by the MGC.
Reader's Guide
The Austin-Healey 3000 stands as a significant British sports car of the 1960s, notable for its competition success and export dominance. BMC's competitions department rallied the 3000 from its introduction, with works cars competing at major circuits including Sebring, Le Mans, and Mount Panorama. The most successful examples include 54 FAC and 56 FAC (12th and 25th at the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring), DD300 (1961 24 Hours of Le Mans), and 727 URX (1st in the Liège–Rome–Liège Rally). Development of works cars effectively ended in 1965, largely due to the success of the Mini Cooper 'S'. The 3000's production life saw it evolve from an open sports car with minimal weather protection to a more comfortable sports convertible with wind-up windows and a folding roof. In 1963, 91.5 percent of all Austin-Healey 3000 cars were exported, mostly to North America. The car's legacy continues in classic car competitions, where enthusiasts still race it today. British Motor Corporation ended manufacture in 1967, filling its place with the MGC, which used a new though similar engine in a newer monocoque chassis.
Did You Know?
- The Austin-Healey 3000's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors and assembled at BMC's MG Works in Abingdon.
- The most successful 3000, 727 URX, finished 1st in the Liège–Rome–Liège Rally.
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