1961 Austin Healey 3000 MKI BT7 Project

Description

This is a 1961 Austin Healey BT7 2+2. She is car #HBT7/4891. She needs a complete and full restoration, the years have not been good to her. She rolls and steers, though the right rear wheel is grabbing and makes pushing the car very difficult, hence the wheel dollies. I always hated seeing ads that read "what you see is what you get", but I'm going to be a hypocrite and jump on board ;)

Literally, what you see in the photos is what is included in the sale, and if it's NOT there, assume it's at the bottom of the ocean...

There's a lot to be said of Austin Healey's. They have gorgeous lines. Check. They have smooth throttle response, and a great compact inline-6 with twin SU's sucking in air. Check. They are the gentleman's touring car, both refined, with touches of masculinity sculpted into feminine lines in smoothed, rolling fenders, that come to a tuck in the rear, sleek and graceful. Check.

All of those words are true, and Healey's do not disappoint. At one point in time, this present car was everything mentioned above and more...Now for my digression. Currently, this 1961 is in need of a lot of love, affection, and altogether, as a car guy, we all know it means dedication and money.

The factory produced 10,825 MKI BT7's, and I'm sure many still roam both Europe and the US, but this one has not roamed much lately. As I have read in many magazines of "car guy" lore, they say "she's as rusty as a fisherman's bucket..." And however true, she's not beyond repair.

Exterior: The previous owner clipped the left fender off in preparation of restoration...That obviously didn't happen, and it is bungeed to the body currently. The body of the Healey will need a lot of fabrication work, and a proper metal guy who knows what he's doing.

Engine: Currently soaking in MMO and diesel mix, and she's currently "stuck", so I hope you are good at mechanical work, and can tap a piston out of it's current static placement. The head is on the car as well, but not tightened. Expect a full rebuild, and tear down from top to bottom.

Gearbox: Overdrive gearbox, currently as she sits, minus the proper shift knob.

Windshield: Glass cracked, but frame is in ok condition.

Seats: Look like they could be later "center shift" Healey seats, though the frames are in good condition.

Interior: Rusty, floor-less, and in need of welding. Did I mention rusty? The current dash in the car is incorrect for this year, but a spare (or likely the original) dash is included.

Convertible top bows/brackets are included.

Doors: Alignment isn't terrible, obviously they will need to be taken off and repaired. Though as "skins" they are not terrible. Side curtains, in aluminum/glass are included, and not broken!

Boot: Rusty...gas tank is there, but will need a complete overhaul. Trunk pan will need to be re-done.

Summary: She needs a 100% complete, total, hands on, restoration. Top to bottom. A labor of love for the right guy, and I'm not that guy. Please feel free to ask any questions, and I'll do my best to answer to the best of my ability. Car is located in New Milford, CT, and can be seen on appointment. Shipping is the buyer's responsibility, though I'll help as much as possible. Car is sold AS IS, in current condition, no warranty (hehe) is expressed or implied.