1960 Austin-Healey 3000 Silver Convertible 2900cc 6 Cylinder 88237 Miles
Description
1960 Austin Healey 3000
- Beautifully Restored
- Same owner for 26 Years
- 2900cc 6 Cylinder
- 4 Speed Manual With Overdrive
(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark I on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 140 photographs, as well as a short walk-around-and-startup video, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.) "They ended up with the MG, they ended up with the Triumph. But, truth be told, they coveted the Big Healey." George Baxter, an Austin-Healey concours judge quoted in "The Handsome Healey," Hemmings Sports and Exotic, November 2014
George Baxter went on to wax eloquent on the model's appeal: "The Big Healey does have a presence that many people respond to, which is quite evident when we're out and about. It brings smiles and comments from many onlookers, and invites conversation. Oh, and to look down that long, beautiful bonnet and to hear that deep throaty growl emanating from the twin tipped exhaust–it is arguably one of the best notes in the car world."
While Mr. Baxter may have been a bit biased, there's no arguing that when it comes to classic British sporting automobiles, the 3000 Mark I "Big Healeys" are among the most highly prized. Low slung, long-hooded, wire-wheeled, and narrow tired, these were cars as at home on the twisty English backroads, as they were at Hollywood movie premiers. Wind-in-your-hair driving is just so... British.
Cared for by the same owner for 26 years, the Austin-Healey 3000 Mark I offered here is a stellar example of a lovingly maintained and recently restored car. The comprehensive 2009 restoration work included a new Jule Enterprises frame, a transmission rebuild, and balancing and blueprinting the engine. The Healey now displays in collector-grade condition. The exterior finish on the car's iconic silver paint, characteristic horizontal-slat chrome front grille, original engine, and wire wheels (with center knock-off spinners) all reflect the care given the car over 88,000 miles and 60 years (fewer than 1,500 miles per year on average). The same is true for the brightwork, emblems, headlights and auxiliary driving lights and lenses. Front-bumper-mounted emblems of a historical nature are an added plus. The dark blue fabric top is without flaws, as is the undercarriage, which is, in fact, spotless. In similar fashion, the engine bay is concours-ready showcasing what can only be called a work of automotive art.
Inside, the light patina of use on the navy blue leather seats evokes thoughts of past drives on twisty roads through autumn landscapes. Interior deep blue carpeting (including on the spare-tire cover) and leather door trim is all nicely kept. The full complement of Smiths gauges (with added period auxiliary Smiths voltmeter, amperage gauge, and VDO vacuum-pressure gauge), Smiths heater, overdrive switch, iconic steering wheel, floor-tunnel-mounted four-speed shifter, and dashboard expanse retain their classic originality. An assortment of spares including the fixed side windows, as well the original owner's manual and substantial documentation accompany the car.
We expect and invite in-person inspection of this beautiful Big Healey. We ask only that you call or email us for an appointment in advance so that we can devote our full attention to you during your visit. Meanwhile, the more than 140 high-definition photographs of the car and the short walk-around-and-startup video on the GarageKeptMotors site faithfully represent the car's condition, but feel free to call or email with any questions.
One final bit from Mr. Baxter captures the intangible, but significant joy of owning this fine automobile: "The Healey gives (us) the opportunity to be transported to a simpler place and time and allows us to forget the daily stresses of our modern world." Yes indeed.
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