The Austin-Healey 3000 Series- A Review

100 Six can be safely called as a predecessor of the Austin-Healey 3000 sports car Series. The only modifications in Austin-Healey 3000 were bigger size of engine and improved braking system. That is the reason why critics call this series as Big Halley. Big Healey formula reigned over global sports car market for more than a decade. The most noteworthy fact regarding this period is that not a single conceptual change was incorporated to any of the models of Austin-Healey 3000. These models created a massive customer base across the world and several factors and features contributed significantly in this direction.

Making its market debut in spring of 1959, Austin-Healey 3000 series was packed with several modifications and added features. Engine of Austin-Healey 3000 models might be a bit heavier than their competitive models. But, they offered more reliability and power. In the initial models of Austin-Healey 3000 series, a 2912 cc engine with 124 HP was installed. However, the power of the engine was increased to 132 HP in 1961.

Austin-Healey 3000 series in the period of inception has two models. They are BN7 and BT7 2 + 2. BN7 was a two-seater model. Each of the models had a wheelbase of 92 inches radius. Front brakes of these models were disc one while the rear ones were drums. In both these models, other specifications like gearbox, chassis and design were highly logical and better compared to their competitors.

In the year 1961 and aftermath, models of Austin-Healey 3000 Series witnessed significant changes as far as look and performance are concerned. The major modifications of 1961 were installation of an improved gearbox, and linkage. Both of them contributed towards making the selector mechanism highly direct-acting. Austin-Healey 3000 Series discarded two-seater models in the year 1962 and started producing only 2+2 models. Other additions made in this year were curvy wind shield, door windows having roll up facility and a soft top. In this year, one major modification related to the engine of the car was also made. That was the installation of twin SU carburetors. This specification reduced the heat loss capacity significantly.

In the year 1964, Austin-Healey 3000 series went through a number of changes. 3000 Mk III made its market debut in that year. Power of the engine was enhanced to 148 hp. However, the size of the engine remained the same. Dashboard of the car was restyled significantly. Wood paneling was the most appealing modification made to the dashboard. Along with center console was installed between the seats. In the later part of 1964, some major chassis alterations were done to Austin-Healey 3000 to make tits suspension friendly for long distance travel. According to some critics, MK III was the best sports car of the time period ranging from 1964 to 1968. Along with, it was the fastest one having maximum speed limit of 120 miles per hour. 1966 was the golden year as far as sales of Austin-Healey 3000 series is concerned. In this year, 5494 units of Mk III were produced and sold.