1960 | Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I (BT7)

We are pleased to offer this exceptional value RHD Austin Healey 3000 MKI Four-Seater on the market. This superb driving, proven long distance tourer was built in the UK in 1960 for the export market and headed out to Canada where it spent its early life. In 1990 the Healey returned to the UK was sold requiring restoration, invoice on file to its first UK owner based in Scotland. The Austin Healey was then subject of a major rebuild and reported to be cosmetically very poor but retaining an excellent chassis. The car was then handed to Sports Car Services Benholm and Inverkielour for restoration to include an engine rebuild costing over £17,000. In 1990 at £15 per hour labour rates this was a major rebuild and a comprehensive file of invoices detail the major body restoration and mechanical overhaul to include engine rebuild to include reboring, new pistons, conrod bearings, main bearings, thrust washers, unleaded cylinder head and various machining.

Throughout the 1990's and early 2000's the Healey was extensively toured and has now covered around 50,000 miles since the major rebuild. Throughout ownership the car has been very well maintained with a log kept of all maintenance since rebuild. In more recent years mileage has slowed down with 5000 miles covered in the last ten years but the host of invoices show very good regular upkeep and maintenance. Whilst mechanically kept very much on the button, in more recent years the Healey has had a brand new hood, tonneau cover, some interior trim improvements, a new windscreen, new spot lamps and rally over-riders. Within the past few thousand miles the Healey has also had a new Powerspark electronic ignition, carburettor rebuild, various new gaskets such as rocker cover, timing cover and manifold, new aluminium oil sump, spin on oil filter conversion, core plugs, valve stem oil seals, new heater trunking, poly bush kit and almost £2500 was spent with Bill Rawles in 2016 for (parts only) a new RHD adjustable high ratio steering box, new aluminium dashboard and full RHD conversion kit. In July 2024 we serviced the Healey, set up the carbs, replaced the hub bearings and fully checked the car over for its most recent owner.

LSK 525 is a real user, prior to its recent owner, the Healey spent 5 years with its in West Yorkshire with a couple who have thoroughly enjoyed the car. Its an excellent driver, the engine is fit, strong and healthy holding very good oil pressure, the four speed overdrive gearbox is lovely to use and the car is brilliant fun on the road, it handles superbly and is a very reliable, useable car. Over 30 years on since restoration it has its paint blemishes and imperfections but remains a rock solid car with an excellent chassis. The body is very straight and its clear from the invoices and how the car is today that the restoration was done to a high standard. The interior is tidy, the weather equipment in very good order and the car presents well as a good quality older restoration. Priced sensibly, this is a brilliant entry level Healey to use and drive, but there is scope to further improve cosmetically in the years to come and add value.