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- Wayback Wheels -
Vintage Car Talk
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- The Austin-Healey 3000: English Elegance
- By Aaron Neilly
- While many of you are probably
familiar with British sports cars like the Triumph Spitfire,
the MGB, the Sunbeam Tiger, and the Austin Healey Sprite, I’d
like to tell you about a vehicle which, although a product of
the same era and manufacturer as some of these cars, had a sense
of style that has yet to be successfully imitated by any other
designer.
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- This car is the Austin-Healey
3000. Austin-Healey was founded in 1952 when Leonard Lord, the
chairman of Austin Motorcars, and automotive engineer and designer,
Donald Healey formed a business partnership. While other English
manufacturers like MG and Triumph were building all types of
cars, Austin-Healey’s only focus was on sports cars, and
they were extremely successful with this vision in mind.
Donald Healey and his son, Geoffrey were the creators of the
extremely well received Austin Healey 100, a sleek four cylinder
“workhorse” introduced at the 1952 London Motor Show.
This well respected little vehicle proved to be the basis on
which a series of Healeys were built.
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- In the The 3000 was designed
to replace the popular, but aging, 100-6, (which was the Austin
Healey 100 with 6 cylinders). Although the 3000 looked quite
similar, a few improvements were incorporated into its production
and the “3000” model name was applied to reflect the
displacement of the new inline 6 cylinder engine featured on
the car. (Because of this engine, the car’s top speed was
now rated at 120 miles per hour). The designers had originally
intended to call the car the “Mille Miglia”, after
the famous race, but 3000 stuck with the Healey all the way to
and throughout production which began in 1959, and continued
until 1967.
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- Standard features for the 3000
included front disc brakes, twin SU carburetors, wire wheels
and a choice of 2 or 2+2 seating arrangements. A removable hardtop
roof, and electric overdrive were also available for an extra
cost.
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- The 3000, often referred to
now as the "Big Healey," was also a serious contender
on the race track, claiming victory in world class races at Sebring
in the US, and LeMans in France. Many of these incredible cars
are still used In vintage racing around the world, much to the
delight of vintage car enthusiasts.
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- The Mk. II version of the 3000
was released in 1961. This model featured triple SU carburetors
and glass wind-up side windows replacing the “button in”
soft clear plastic windows which could be popped in when the
convertible top was up, in case of poor
weather. In 1962 a curved windsheild was introduced.
The Mk. III was launched in 1963 and remained in production until
1967. It was, by far, the most luxurious 3000 produced, with
burled walnut dashboard, 150 horsepower, and best of all, yet
again, roll up windows. Imagine getting a car today without those!
All in all, the Healey 3000 is a beautiful car to drive, and
almost just as pleasing to simply look at and admire.
Decent examples are still out there waiting to be found, but
most are treasured by their owners. If you're searching for one
of these iconic beauties to restore and add to your collection
- good luck!
-
- Thanks for reading Wayback Wheels,
and remember to drive your classic vehicle every chance you get.
Aaron Neilly is a certified mechanic with a passion for anything
unique with four wheels and an engine. He spends a large amount
of time in cars, under cars and discussing cars.
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