1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 BT7

This 1960 3000 MkI is a “BT7” 2+2 version, which is differentiated from the “BN7” by the addition of two small rear jump seats. It’s also a rare right-hand drive example, and according to marque experts, around 10% of all 3000 MkI’s were made in RHD configuration, limiting production numbers to roughly 1,000 units. It’s described by the seller as sporting an older restoration that has now settled into an appropriately presentable, gently used, and well-loved condition. We love the look of the Colorado Red paint over black coves, accentuating the swooping bodylines and giving the appearance of a car in perpetual motion, even when parked. Factory wire wheels round out the look adding a touch of sophistication to this sporty British classic.

The Austin-Healey 3000 MkI boasts a visually striking design that captivated the public's attention when it debuted. Its timeless aesthetics features a long, sweeping hood that emphasizes the car's power and performance potential, and the muscular fenders and prominent grille add to its aggressive yet elegant appearance. The MkI also showcases refined curves and flowing lines, exuding a sense of grace and sophistication. The car's two-tone paint schemes, chrome accents, and wire wheels further enhance its classic charm, and all three look very nice in the photos provided. The MkI also displayed subtle differences compared to its predecessor, such as a slightly redesigned grille and smaller, more streamlined tail fins. These changes gave the MkI a sleeker and more contemporary look, aligning it with the evolving design trends of the time. The soft-top frame stows neatly behind the back seat, although no top material is present, but let’s face it, these cars were meant for top-down cruising anyway!

The interior of the 3000 MkI exudes a perfect blend of sportiness and refined comfort. It features supportive bucket seats upholstered in high-quality leather, providing a comfortable and secure seating position for both driver and passenger. The rear seats on a BT7 offer little room for adult passengers, although it can thankfully double as a convenient compartment to store and access items. The interior on this example, finished in black leather with red piping that nicely complements the matching exterior color pallet, appears to be well-maintained and blemish-free, with minimal wear to the black carpeting evident in the pictures provided.

The black leather-covered dashboard boasts a classic, minimalist design, with clear and easy-to-read gauges and controls within reach. Compared to previous models, the MkI introduced a few notable changes to the interior. It offered a more spacious cockpit, allowing for increased legroom and improved overall comfort. Additionally, the MkI features a revised center console design with improved placement of switches and controls, enhancing the driver's accessibility and ease of use. They reflect the Austin-Healey’s commitment to providing a driver-focused and luxurious environment, ensuring a pleasurable motoring experience.

The Austin-Healey 3000 MkI showcased impressive technical specifications and achieved remarkable feats in the realm of performance. Equipped with a robust 2.9L inline-six-cylinder engine, it generates 124-horsepower, enabling exhilarating acceleration and a top-speed of around 115 mph (185 km/h). The MkI's 4-speed manual transmission with factory overdrive provides an additional gear ratio, enhancing fuel efficiency and offering a smooth cruising experience on long journeys. The car's precise and responsive steering, coupled with its advanced independent front suspension and rear semi-elliptical leaf springs, deliver exceptional handling and stability, allowing drivers to tackle curves and corners with confidence. Furthermore, the addition of front disc brakes significantly improved braking performance, ensuring shorter stopping distances and heightened safety. The Austin-Healey 3000 MkI represented the perfect balance of power, agility, and control, making it a formidable presence on the road or the track, and a perpetually beloved choice for driving enthusiasts.

This right-hand drive 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MkI BT7 is an extremely rare and sought-after example that was the recipient of a high-quality restoration some years ago, yet still retains the appearance of an above-average driver. Reported to be mechanically strong, this lovely “Big Healey” needs nothing but a new owner to keep it exercised and well-loved. The car comes with a few miscellaneous parts as shown in the picture gallery below, like the factory window inserts, which can be a thankful addition when the weather turns inclement. It now comes to market from dealer inventory with a clear title.

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a highly desirable car to collect, as it embodies the essence of a classic British sports car, with its timeless design, elegant aesthetics, and iconic status. The MkI represents an important milestone in the Austin-Healey lineage, marking the introduction of significant mechanical advancements and refinements that enhance its performance and driving experience. Its rarity, especially in intriguing right-hand drive configuration, adds to its allure and value as a collector's item. Moreover, the 3000 series has a rich racing heritage, achieving notable successes in endurance races, and its motorsports pedigree further elevates the model’s desirability among enthusiasts. Owning a 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MkI is not just about acquiring a beautifully crafted classic car, but also about owning a piece of automotive history that represents the golden era of British sports cars.