1961 Austin-Healey 3000

OUTSTANDING, STRONG-PERFORMING BIG HEALEYRARE AS 1 OF 947 LHD BN7 2-SEATERS PRODUCEDEXPERT CONCOURS RESTORATION BY TOM ROCKE2-STAGE URETHANE BLACK OVER COOL VANILLA FINISHPROVENANCE INCLUDES LONG-TERM ORIGINAL OWNERSHIPORIGINAL 132 HP 2.9L INLINE-6 ENGINE4-SPEED MANUAL GEARBOXACCOMPANIED BY BMIHT CERTIFICATEINCLUDES FULL RESTORATION PHOTO-DOCUMENTATIONONE OF BRITAINS FINEST POSTWAR SPORTS CARSDebuted at the 1952 London Motor Show, Donald Healeys Hundred gained immediate acclaim for its proven Austin/BMC-sourced mechanicals, sleek envelope-type bodywork, and electrifying performance. Competition use and success on the international stage were immediate, including some of the most punishing long-distance rallies and fabled endurance races of the era. Development was relentless, with a succession of updates resulting in the definitive, 6-cylinder Austin-Healey 100/6 by 1956. Uprated with a new 3.0-liter powerplant for 1959 and a name change to the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I, this design continued with steady refinements through 1967. Today, while all variations are highly collectible and enjoyable, early examples of the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I are particularly coveted for their purity, incomparable open-air experience and first of line status. One of only 947 left-hand drive BN7 two-seaters produced, this extremely attractive 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I roadster was completed on June 10, 1960 and dispatched six days later to Dusseldorf, Germany, where it was purchased new by a USAF Wing Commander serving with the Strategic Air Command in Germany. Upon his return Stateside, the original owner had the Healey airfreighted home via a C-47 transport. According to the late Healey expert, Tom Rocke, of riverside, California, who recently acquired and restored the vehicle, it remained with the original owners family for some 40 years before it was eventually found by Mr. Rocke in a barn in Fairfield, California. A total restoration was subsequently performed by Mr. Rocke at his Healey Lane shop in riverside, California, with the body fully prepped and then handsomely refinished in black over Cool Vanilla, complemented by a new soft top and tonneau cover, plus new side curtains and a storage bag for them. The original, matching numbers engine was rebuilt, as was the 4-speed manual gearbox. All mechanical systems were new or rebuilt items and the instruments were rebuilt, calibrated, and certified by the experts at palo Alto Speedometer. All new electrical components and lighting, new 60-spoke chrome wire wheels with re-chromed original brass knock-offs, and new correct-size radial tires were installed. In addition to a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate, documents accompanying the Healey include full restoration photographs and a list of the restoration work performed by Mr. Rocke and an email account of the vehicles prior ownership. Carrying fascinating provenance and benefiting from the restoration prowess of Tom Rocke, this 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I BN7 is a wonderfully preserved British sporting legend throughout, ready for continued enjoyment and appreciation. See it for yourself by contacting us for viewing arrangements and complete details today.