1961 Austin-Healey 3000 - Mk II Competition

With a change in capacity to three litres in 1959, the model designation changed from Austin Healey 100/6 to 3000 (the two seater BN7 and the 2+2 BT7). The moniker “Mark I” was never officially used but was introduced later to differentiate it from following versions. In 1961 the 3000 Mark II with 132 horsepower was introduced. To boost power from the original 124 hp, 3 instead of two SU-carburettors and a hotter cam were used. Adjusting the three carbs proved to be rather difficult and as a result in mid-1962 the factory reverted back to the two-carburettor setup. The Austin-Healey offered, one of only 355 BN7 3000 Mk II 2-seaters, was delivered to the USA. In the beginning of the Millennium the Healey was brought back to Europe to a well-known Mercedes dealer with the intention of using it competitively. At its first outing the “Oldtimer Grand Prix” on the Nürburgring the owner was lapped several times by a certain Denis Welsh and he got so irritated that he immediately brought his Healey to Denis Welch (also known as Mr. Big Healey) and had it modified to the same specification as Denis Welch’s car. The coachwork received - like the works racers - mudguards and doors in aluminium and a glass fibre reinforced hardtop. The engine was rebuilt from scratch and equipped with three Weber carburettors, a racing camshaft and a competition exhaust resulting in around 230 horsepower. Naturally suspension, brakes and all the other technical bits were adapted to the much-improved power and performance. For competition use, a large aluminium radiator, a 80-litre safety fuel tank, a roll cage, a Recaro driver seat with four point belts and other competition related items were installed. After completion of the works in 2008, the Healey saw regular use in historic racing and was maintained by the company “Böööös Racing”. In 2019 the cylinder head was overhauled, in 2020 an automatic fire extinguishing system was installed and in 2021 the differential and the rear axle received a revision. Now the 3000 is in good “on-the-button” condition and will certainly provide numerous thrills for the new owner on and off the circuit. The racer will be handed over with its last veteran MOT completed in September 2026.