Donald Healey, a renowned engineer and driver, made his debut as a manufacturer in 1948 with a coupé (Elliot) and a roadster (Westland) equipped with a 2.4-litre Riley engine. This was followed the Ambassador (of which only 253 cars were built). But Donald Healey dreamed of building a high-performance roadster at an affordable price, which would ensure its wider distribution.
The great adventure began in 1952 at the London Motor Show, of which the Healey Hundred was one of the stars. Designed by Gerry Coker and built by Ticford, this prototype borrowed its engine from the Austin A 90. Donald Healey quickly signed an agreement with British Motor Corporation, and the car became Austin Healey. Series production of the Austin Healey 100 starts in May 1953, equipped with a four-cylinder, 2663 cc, 90 hp four cylinder engine, the model (BN1 series) was primarily designed for export.. In August 1954, a sporty version with four disc brakes, the 100-S, with 132 bhp, was launched, with a cylinder head prepared by Weslake. The Austin Healey 100 underwent its first evolution in 1955 (BN2 series) with the adoption of the Morris Minor rear suspension and a four-speed gearbox. A more powerful variant, the 100 M, saw its engine increased to 110 bhp.
The following year marks a turning point in the evolution of the Austin Healey with the appearance of the first six-cylinder model: the 100 Six (BN4 series), with a 2639 cc (102 bhp) engine. Its elongated bodywork makes the car a 2 + 2. A variant of its predecessor, the 100 Six series BN6 returned to two-seater bodywork in 1958. At the same time, the engine was given extra vitamins (117 bhp) thanks to a new cylinder head and SU HD6 carburettors.
In July 1959, the Austin Healey 3000 was born, the first model of a new generation whose six-cylinder engine was increased to three litres (124 bhp). Equipped as standard with disc brakes at the front, the car is available as a two-seater roadster (BN7 series) and 2 + 2 (BT7 series). In 1961, the 3000 Mk II was fitted with three SU HS4 carburettors, which increased power to 132 bhp.
Designed by Gerry Coker, the "Big Healey" appears to be one of the most beautiful achievements of British design. Racy and a touch aggressive in a very homogenous whole, it is a masterpiece of balance and elegance.
On the road, the car expresses the generosity of its mechanics, which, although devoid of any sophistication, nevertheless demonstrates remarkable qualities. Powerful and always ready to take off, this round engine is a paragon of flexibility and availability.
It didn't take long for BMC's competition department to get their hands on the 3000. It was an instant success: Pat Moss finished second in the 1959 German Rally, vice-champion of the Alps in 1960 and winner of the grueling Rome-Liège-Rome the same year. This was followed by numerous rally successes: Don and Erle Morley's domination of the Tulip Rally from 1962 to 1965, followed by Alpine triumphs in 1961 and 62. Rauno Aaltonen's victory at Spa-Sofia-Liège in 1964.
On the track, the 3000 was homologated as a real GT in 1960, with a hardtop, 25-gallon tank and disc brakes. Often intended for endurance racing, several Healey 3000s have distinguished themselves in international races such as Sebring or the Le Mans 24 hours.

Our Austin Healey 3000 MKIII was delivered new in 1966. in the hands of its current owner for over 30 years... it has always been perfectly maintained, and has just been serviced. the bewitching sound of its Harper engine, and its incredible patina will seduce you and make it the ideal car for your next sunny (or not) rally ....