Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII Overdrive 1964

HIGHLIGHTS
- Originally delivered in the United States
- Most desirable series with easy-to-open roof and rotating side windows
- Expertly restored in 1995
- Mechanically prepared for rally driving
- Extensive documentation available
- Equipped with overdrive
- New stainless steel exhaust
- Telescopic shock absorbers all around
- Trip meter hidden in the glove compartment
- Rear axle stabilizer bar
- Kenlowe fan for extra cooling
- Plastic cooling fan on the water pump for better cooling
- Aluminum sump from Denis Welch Motorsport
- Alternator with AC current
- Electronic ignition
- High-rev starter motor
- Luggage rack
- Chrome wire wheels
- Moto-Lita steering wheel

HISTORY / DOCUMENTATION
This beautiful ‘Big Healey’ was manufactured on August 12, 1964, and shipped to the favorable climate of the United States on August 21. In 1995, the car was imported to the Netherlands, where it was expertly restored by Michiel Capelle Austin Healey Restorations. The original invoice for the restoration—worth nearly 90,000 Dutch guilders—is still present!
The quality of this restoration is still clearly visible today. Many other documents are available, including appraisal reports, maintenance invoices, and rally stickers from numerous events in which the car participated.
Since 1995, the car has remained in the same family for 30 years. Its reliability has been proven by the long distances covered during rallies abroad, such as the Alpine Rally. Old photos show the joy this car has brought. It has always been cared for with love and passion. This most beloved and final series of the Big Healey is now looking for its next enthusiast.

EXTERIOR
While the car is mechanically prepared for rallying, its appearance remains beautifully original. Finished in the original color scheme of California Red with a black vinyl leather interior, this Healey is a real eye-catcher. Stylish wire wheels and a chrome luggage rack complete the look.
The black soft top is easy to operate and can be neatly covered with a red tonneau cover.
The paintwork is in excellent condition with only minimal signs of use. The panel gaps are correct, giving the Healey its elegant lines.

INTERIOR
The interior is also largely original with minimal signs of wear. Thanks to the rear seat, the car offers space for four people.
The interior is finished in black and includes a heater. A rally trip meter is fitted inside the glove compartment.
The wooden dashboard houses a clear speedometer and tachometer positioned directly in front of the driver. The trunk is tidy and accommodates a spare wheel.

TECHNICAL
The engine is built with components from Denis Welch Motorsport, well-known among Austin-Healey enthusiasts. This includes, among others, an aluminum sump. Further technical upgrades include: New stainless steel exhaust, Telescopic shock absorbers all around, Rear axle stabilizer bar, Kenlowe cooling fan, Plastic fan on the water pump for improved cooling, Alternator (AC current), Electronic ignition, High-rev starter motor and a special spring kit providing additional ground clearance (the original setup is quite low and easily hits speed bumps)/
In 2008, the engine received a major service by a specialist in classic car engine overhauls. The car drives, shifts, and brakes as it should. The 2,912 cc six-cylinder engine produces a beautiful sound (see video) and is mated to a manual gearbox with fifth-gear overdrive.
It’s a joy to drive, aided by powerful brakes (front disc brakes were quite advanced for the time) and a low center of gravity, offering an exceptional cornering experience. In short: a pure and iconic English roadster from the 1960s, ready for its next owner.

GENERAL
The Austin-Healey 3000 was introduced in 1959 and produced until 1967. It succeeded the 100-6, which had a smaller 2.6-liter engine with less power compared to the 3.0-liter, 130 hp engine of the 3000.
Austin-Healeys were very successful in racing and rallying. A notable example is Pat Moss, sister of Sir Stirling Moss. She achieved 4th place in the Liège–Rome–Liège Rally in an Austin-Healey 100/6 and won the first of her five European Ladies’ Rally Championships.
In 1960, she won the overall classification of the Liège–Rome–Liège in an Austin-Healey 3000 and finished 2nd in the Coupe des Alpes.

The MkIII, introduced in February 1964, was the most advanced version of the Big Healey and is considered the best driving model, partly because it was the most powerful and fastest.
It produced 148 hp thanks to a new high-lift camshaft (compared to 136 hp in its predecessor).
Brake servo assistance became standard, and SU HD8 carburetors replaced the HS6 models. The dashboard was redesigned with clear instruments positioned directly in front of the driver.
The MkIII was produced until the end of 1967, after which Austin-Healey 3000 production ceased.