Austin Healey 3000
The definitive "Big Healey" — a six-cylinder roadster with genuine rally pedigree and the most collected Healey today.
Growing out of the earlier 100-6, the 3000 added displacement, disc brakes, and continuous refinement across three production series, becoming both a strong-selling US-market sports car and a genuinely successful international rally competitor. Its combination of muscular looks, six-cylinder torque, and real competition history make it the most sought-after and most collected Austin-Healey today.
History
Introduced for 1959 as a development of the 100-6, the 3000 took its name from the enlarged 2.9-liter engine and added front disc brakes — a significant safety upgrade over the drum-braked cars that preceded it.
The Mk II (1961) brought triple carburetors and more power, while the Mk III (1964–67) was the most refined version, with a wood-veneer dashboard, wind-up windows on later cars, and the highest horsepower of the series.
Works-prepared 3000s were genuinely competitive in international rallying through the early-to-mid 1960s, including class wins and strong overall finishes at the Monte Carlo Rally and Liège-Rome-Liège — real competition success that still drives collector interest in period-correct rally-spec cars today.
Notable Versions
Mk III Phase 2
The final and most developed 3000, with a repositioned exhaust for better ground clearance and the highest power output of the model line.
Works Rally Cars
Factory-prepared competition cars with genuine international rally history — extremely rare and valuable when documented.
BJ7 / BJ8
Convertible-top body designations distinguishing the wind-up-window Mk II Convertible (BJ7) from the Mk III (BJ8).
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
Rust in the frame, sills, and floor is the primary concern
Same structural rust risk as the earlier 100 — a thorough chassis inspection, not just a look at the bodywork, is essential.
Verify Mk designation against chassis records
Value varies meaningfully between Mk I, II, and III cars — confirm what you're actually buying against factory production records.
Be skeptical of claimed works rally history without documentation
Genuine works cars are extremely valuable, which has made unsubstantiated rally-history claims common — demand real documentation.
Check wire wheel condition and splines if equipped
A desirable factory option, but worn splines are a genuine safety issue that requires inspection, not just a visual check.
Inspect the overdrive and rear axle for correct operation
Common wear items on a car this age — test them directly rather than taking a seller's word for it.
Quick Specs
- Engine
- 2.9L OHV I6
- Horsepower
- 124 hp (Mk I) – 148 hp (Mk III)
- Wheelbase
- 92 in
- Weight
- approx. 2,400–2,600 lbs
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual with overdrive
- 0–60 (Mk III)
- approx. 9–10 seconds
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
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