1961→1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MKII BT7

In May of 1961 BMC upgraded their flagship model with three SU HS4 carburetors, modified valve springs and a new camshaft. Called the MKII, it was an alternative to the Triumph TR3A or Jaguar E-Type.

The MKII was initially offered as an occasional 4-seat roadster called the BT7 or the 2-seat variant from known as the BN7. Both versions used flat front windscreens and detachable side curtains in the style of a roadster. The rear panel of the BT7 was cut out much deeper towards the trunk to make room of the small jumper seats in the rear. As a result, almost all the road race and rally cars were built on the BN7 platform.

Later cars came equipped with a center-located top-loader transmission and a fiberglass transmission tunnel. Of these the BN7, top-loader is an especially rare and desirable combination.

Like the earlier 3000s, the MKII featured BMC’s C-Series six-cylinder engine with a 4-speed + overdrive gearbox. It used a separate ladder-type frame and a steel body.

Production of the MKII BN7 was very limited to only 355 cars. The BT7 4-seat roadster vastly outsold it at 5,096 units. A BT7 with hardtop and overdrive cost ��1362 including the hefty British taxes.

MKII configuration changed significantly in 1962 with the introduction of the BJ7 Sports Convertible. It replaced both models with a fully-collapsible soft top, wind-up windows and a curved front window. This modernized the car substantially and the BJ7 is more desirable as a touring car.

Options on the MKII included 15×4 chromed wire wheels, a brake servo system and a tonneau cover that could be opened for just the driver.

Story by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1961 – 1962
built at	Abington, England
price $	$ 3,699
engine	Straight-6
position	Front, Longitunal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Lucas E1 Distributor
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Tripple SU HS4 Carburetors
displacement	2912 cc / 177.7 in³
bore	83.3 mm / 3.28 in
stroke	88.9 mm / 3.5 in
compression	9.03:1
power	98.4 kw / 132 bhp @ 4750 rpm
specific output	45.33 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	122.45 bhp per tonne
torque	226.42 nm / 167.0 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body w/Aluminum Panels over Steel Ladder-Type Frame
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	5.9×15
rear tires	5.9×15
front brakes	Girling Discs
rear brakes	Drums
r brake size	57.1 x 279.4 mm / 2.25 x 11 in
front wheels	F 38.1 x -1.0 cm / 15 x -1.0 in
steering	Cam & Peg
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Shock Absorber, Stabilzer Bar
r suspension	Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers
curb weight	1078 kg / 2375 lbs
wheelbase	2340 mm / 92.1 in
front track	1240 mm / 48.8 in
rear track	1270 mm / 50.0 in
length	4000 mm / 157.5 in
width	1540 mm / 60.6 in
height	1240 mm / 48.8 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
tran clutch	Single Dry Plate
gear ratios	2.93:1, 2.05:1, 1.31:1, 1.00:1
top speed	~185.1 kph / 115.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~11.0 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~36.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~17.0 seconds
combined fuel econ eu	12 L/100 km or 19.60 mpg-us

Auction Sales History

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII BT7 2+2 HBT7L/18191

The car offered here is a benchmark example of its breed. Attractively finished in the warm hue of Old English White paint, with a contrasting red fabric interior piped in white, it is understood to have been the recipient of a thorough restoration in the late 2000s.

Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2015 by Bonhams

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII BT7 –

A matching numbers example, this triple-carburettor Austin-Healey 3000 MkII 2+2 roadster has the desirable overdrive transmission, wire wheels, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and a heater, as detailed on the accompanying BMIHT certificate. Its early history is unknown. Owned in the USA by Mr Kurt Leslie from 2003 onwards, the Healey was exported in 2012 from the United States to Belgium where it has since undergone a complete restoration. The car has remained with the same owner until now and has been driven only occasionally since the rebuild. Compiled in 2013, an accompanying condition report (expertise) confirms that the body has been restored and repainted in its original ‘triple blue’ colour scheme, and equipped with a new vinyl hood and tonneau cover.

Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MKII BT7 HBT7L/15939 –

This attractive 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II was the subject of a body-off restoration by British racing car and restoration experts The Vintage Connection, who rebuilt and the big Healey’s rare triple-carb inline 6 engine, upgraded the driveline with a brand new 5-speed transmission and skillfully refurbished or rebuilt original parts as needed. They then finished the car in Healy Blue with White coves and a beautiful Blue leather interior by Healey experts Heritage Upholstery and Trim; new chromed wire wheels and correct vintage tires nicely complete this British classic.

Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1963 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II Convertible HBJ7L22215 –

The car on offer today is a recent restoration of a sound car, with only 4,640 miles covered since the work was completed. It is finished in dynamic black over red coves, with a new red leather interior. One of 6,113 Mk IIs built between 1962-64, it has chrome wire wheels and a four-speed and overdrive gearbox. The panel fit is excellent, the interior is tidy, and everything under the hood is rebuilt. The chrome and brightwork are excellent as well. Big Healeys are consistently desirable among British sports car enthusiasts. They are fast enough for modern traffic and big enough for U.S. distances, with timeless styling to boot.

Auction Source: Amelia Island 2012 by RM Auctions

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MkII BT7 –

Eligible for various historic rallies including the Monte Carlo Winter Challenge, Pirelli Classic Marathon and Rallye des Chateaux, the left-hand drive example offered here is a very well competition-prepared replica of the works rally cars on the 1960s. Restored in 1992, the car features triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors, factory-type ventilated hardtop, aluminium radiators, double ventilators, oil cooler, aluminium dashboard, leather trimmed MotoLita steering wheel, bucket seats, competition fuel tank, alloy wheels and a roll cage. The car is described as in generally very good condition, the engine benefiting from a recent carburettor tune-up by a specialist and the overdrive functioning on all four forward gears. Accompanying documentation consists of Belgian Carte Grise de Collection, technical inspection, Heritage certificate and FIVA Passport.

Auction Source: The Paris Sale 2012 by Bonhams