1962 Austin Healey 3000 MKII BN7

Description

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The Austin Healey 3000, a modest sports car built for the enthusiast, representative of a great nostalgia for those who had the pleasure of owning one. The 3000 stems from the original 100-4 that was introduced in 1953, evolving over time, becoming more powerful, more refined, more usable. In comparison to the more expensive Jaguars and Aston Martins, the Big Healey was really the only affordable British sports car that offered competitive performance. When the 3000 made its debut in 1959, it featured a brand new 2.9 liter straight six-cylinder engine producing about 135bhp that claimed to achieve 60mph in 11 seconds. An impressive achievement that would fuel an admiration for these cars that is still alive today.

As we enter the early 60’s, the 3000 MKII was introduced, equipped with a series of upgrades and subtle styling changes. This new Healey, alike the MKI, offered many options in terms of how you could spec the car from different color schemes, overdrive, removable hardtop, two or four seats, but a new option that was made available, was a triple SU carburetor set-up. Of all units that were built, a mere 355 were equipped with two seats, referred to as the BN7, and triple carburetors with this rare example happening to be one of them.

The example on offer is a 1962 Austin Healey 3000 MKII BN7 Tri-Carb, chassis number HBN7L17389, engine number 29ERUH4396. It is the recipient of a fresh nut and bolt restoration that was executed by the marque specialists at BRC of Philadelphia. According the British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, this BN7 was built between February 12th and 19th in 1962, and dispatched March 14th of that year to a dealer in Los Angeles, California. The factory fitted equipment included; wire wheels, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, overdrive, heater, and Dunlop Roadspeed tires. It has remained in its correct black exterior but during the restoration, the originally red interior was changed to a fantastic and seldom seen green interior.

Upon review of the exterior, the black paint has a lovely finish, showing consistently throughout the car, and has great depth. There are no chips or deep scratches, presenting flawlessly as one would expect from a recently restored example. The only inconsistency to note is perhaps one or two minor chips from road use during the post restoration sorting. Additionally there are some extremely light scrathing from the hardtop where it sits on the rear deck. Inevitable with the hardtop attached, but easily polishing out as needed. The panel gaps and fitment are excellent, showing nice and even, in need of no adjustments. All of the chrome has been re-plated and polished, with no imperfections. The rubber seals and moldings have been replaced, supple and presenting like new. The black hard top has also been refinished with the exception of the aluminum trim, which has some indentations and marks of use as original. Nothing severe but worth noting. The new vinyl soft top has no imperfections, fits well, and its accompanying weather gear is in just as good condition. The chrome wire wheels are in perfect condition, mounted on a set of fresh tires.

Moving to the interior, the door jams are neatly finished, presenting very well. The new green leather interior has been completely reupholstered in upgraded materials and finishes that will prove more durable and resistant to blemishes. The seats are in superb condition, accented with black piping to match the exterior of the car. The leather wrapped dash poses no inconsistencies as well as the painted black dash face. Each of the gauges have been rebuilt and refinished to like new condition and are fully operational. As a relief to many, the cumbersome factory steering wheel has been substituted with a smaller, 15” Moto Lita unit that is more user friendly and makes entry and exit of the car less of a burden. Another welcomed added feature to this BN7 are three Breitling period time pieces under the dash. The new rugs are spotless, unsoiled, and in excellent condition. The combination of Black with Green interior is extremely rare on an Austin Healey and it makes for a fantastic contrasting combination that will be sure to be the main attraction amongst any other British cars, at any show or in any collection.

Prop up the bonnet and give the engine bay a thorough inspection and one will find an organized engine compartment that has been mindfully sorted. The engine block has been repainted in correct Healey green, wiring sorted as new, engine components replaced throughout without compromise, as well as correct stampings and data tags still present. All systems have seen proper rebuilding and updating to perfection. Moving to the rear boot, again it has been carefully refinished with new trunk liner and appropriate finishes. There are no issues to be had as any faults were corrected during the restoration. The undercarriage of this example shows phenomenally as well with all surfaces refinished and suspension components replaced. Any blemishes at all are merely minor from post restoration sorting during driving etc… The frame rails are dent free; a very common issue with Healeys and no rust or damage down the length of chassis numbers the car. It presents as a concours level example in need of no tending to.

This example has received a full mechanical servicing and sorting of all operating systems. The engine has been broken down and rebuilt, integrating modern components where seen fit to improve reliability and performance. The 2.9L powerplant starts with ease and runs smoothly. The engine is mated to a new 5-speed Toyota sourced gearbox, which has replaced the stock 4-speed, again, to grant the driver enhanced usability and increased performance. The gearbox has a short, gratifying, and precise throw, allowing the user to effortlessly shift from gear to gear. The gauges read steady engine temperatures and pressures during use, with no abnormalities to report. The brakes do not pull one way or the other nor do they squeak, functioning as they should. The steering feels well sorted through, displaying no unwanted symptoms as this is also that case with the clutch. This BN7 has no mechanical needs and can simply be driven and enjoyed.

In summation, this is a very rare opportunity to own a true two seat example of the Tri-Carb (BN7) Austin Healey. Its recent frame off restoration and sorting has brought this example up to a condition-1 car, worthy of any concours or collection. Its rare configuration, show quality condition, and unique color combination, makes it an investment grade example and highly desirable. Complete with this sale are the, spare wheel, tools, hammer, weather gear, and BMIHT Certificate.