The Austin-Healey 3000 was announced on 1 July 1959 with a 3-litre BMC C-Series engine and disc brakes for its front wheels. The manufacturers claimed it would reach 60mph in 11 seconds and 100mph in 31 seconds.[2]
Other changes were minor compared to those between the original 100 and the 100-6. The wheelbase and body were unchanged as were the body-styles, a 2+2 or BT7 and a two-seater BN7.
Weather protection remained minimal, a folding plastic roof on a light demountable frame and above the doors detachable side screens holding sliding perspex panels. Wire wheels, overdrive gearbox, laminated windscreen, heater, adjustable steering column, detachable hard top for the 2+2, and two-tone paint were available as options.13,650 Mark Is were built: 2,825 BN7 open two-seaters, and 10,825 BT7 2+2s[3]