motor cars

MOTOR CARS | 163

246
1960 AusTin heAley 3000 Mk1
Registration no. 972 UYG
Chassis no. HBT712594
Engine no. 29D-RU-H/22475

This ‘MkI’ Austin-Healey 3000 was restored during 2013/2014
and rebuilt as a replica of a period rally car, the vendor’s intention
being to keep to 1960 specification as much as possible. The triple
SU carburettors have been retained, albeit without the restrictive
standard air filters, and the engine bay left largely original. Rebuilt
to ‘fast road’ specification by Richard Parker Race Engines Limited,
the engine incorporates a ‘Stage 1’ gas-flowed cylinder head;
bronze valve guides and unleaded inserts; tubular exhaust manifold;
fast road/rally high-lift camshaft; 9.7:1 forged pistons; high-capacity
oil pump; special harmonic crankshaft damper; and an alloy sump
for better cooling and enhanced cylinder block stiffness.

The full specification is too lengthy to list here but is available for
inspection. A maximum output of 185bhp at the flywheel has been
achieved previously with engines of a similar specification. The
gearbox and rear axle have been totally rebuilt by an expert in these
Austin Healey components.

Jig built, the chassis has additional strengthening members, while

the inner and outer body panels have been carefully repaired, with

all joints fully seam-welded, before being treated to a bare metal

re-spray. Chassis box sections and the underside have been wax

protected. The running gear benefits from a new improved steering

box; up-rated brakes with competition front discs and standard

rebuilt drums at the rear; up-rated front shock absorbers; heavy-duty

front stub axles; and adjustable telescopic rear shock absorbers.

Vredestein tyres are mounted on 72-spoke silver painted wire wheels.

The interior has the black crackle-painted dashboard, rebuilt

instruments and the long direct-action gear lever, while the hardtop

has been fitted with a correct ventilator. Other noteworthy features

include a new wiring loom and electrical components; front wing vents;

twin-spares boot lid; BMC and Union Jack badges; and a custom-

made stainless steel side-exit silencer. Recently completed and offered

in commensurately good condition, this smartly turned out ‘Big Healey’

is offered with current MoT/tax and V5 registration document.

£40,000 - 50,000

€50,000 - 63,000