1961 | Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (BN7)

The Austin-Healey in all it's guises is a fantastic example of a brilliant British sports car, be it an early BN1 four pot with the infamous 3-speed manual or a later 3000 with the grunty six cylinder, all are equally worthy representatives of British motoring

Some, however, are more equal than others

What we have here is a fully restored and extremely rare example of the Austin-Healey, the MK II being the rarest of all production Healey's with only 355 ever being produced

Ours being even rarer still with the centre gear change found on only the later MK II's

Supplied new to New York in September 1961 she first wore Colorado Red over black interior and stayed in the US for most of her life until 2007 when a Mr Dodd exported her

During Mr Dodds ownership she was used and enjoyed staying largely as she was with only normal upkeep bestowed until 2011 when she was sold to our friend who decided he wanted the perfect toy for his garage at his Sotogrande holiday home

In order to meet the exacting standards of her new owner a full bare shell restoration was to be undertaken before she was deposited on Europe's southern most coastline during which a number of upgrades were also installed

As the more eagle eyed amongst you would have already discerned louvers were added to the front wings & bonnet for betting engine cooling to cope with the Spanish summer, they also look incredible which is a nice added bonus

The wheel arches have also been re-profiled giving her a much more squat stance and menacing appearance

Additionally heavily bolstered & supporting XJS seats with headrests were fitted complete with modern inertia reel seatbelts, in this process the original aperture was not changed at all so a reversal to original seats would be a quick and easy job

The aforementioned Spanish summers are famously hot with temperatures regularly reaching into the 40s, it was therefore clear that as well as the louvres more would need to be done to ensure she did not suffer from the heat. As such both a sucker and a blower were added to the radiator forcing air through the system ensuring she regulates her temperature expertly at all times

The occupants are also not forgotten about in this regard with additional cooling into the footwells provided by a booster blower normally found in a more modern BMW and a brand new matrix, all covertly fitted so one could never know unless told

Some more "usual" upgrades like 123 ignition and fully adjustable rear suspension were also fitted as well as a bespoke 16 gallon fuel tank and brand new all weather gear

Having enjoyed her over the course of a number of summers with routine annual serving performed by the local specialist she now sits back on UK shores offering her next keeper the opportunity to move into one the best sorted & rarest examples of a the Austin-Healey - and although its slightly uncouth to mention it - at a fraction of the cost of the whole restoration