This 1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7 is the second year of the early so called "Big Healeys." Replacing the popular 100 series, the Mark I was built from 1959 to 1961 after which the Mark II was released. Two models were available, this one being the BT7 2 2 and the other being strictly the BN7 2 seater. During this first run, just 13,650 cars were produced of which a much smaller handful exists today. Although straight line acceleration was not that of today’s modern car, the early Healey excelled in handling and had a rather brisk top speed of 115 MPH.
This Healey underwent a frame-off restoration in 2004 and has travelled just over 15,000 miles. Since the Healey has had its legs stretched regularly, it can be considered significantly more reliable that most garage queens and is quite a blast around town and enjoyable on the open highway as well. The car has been retrofitted with a modern 5-speed overdrive transmission which is excellent out on the highway while providing smooth shifting through the lower gears. The engine and the rest of the drivetrain was rebuilt during the restoration and the twin SU carbs perform as expected.
The paint is a two stage base/clear refinish and the interior is comprised of a mix of good condition original and new parts. Accompanying the car is the original hard top and the soft top as well.
For the Healey enthusiast looking to hit the open road, this car is an excellent little runner and will provide good times to be had for all.
