Austin Healey BT7 Austin Healey Mark 1 3000 BT7 Overdrive-16th 3000

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This Austin Healey MK I 3000 has never had a frame off registration and consequently much of it is original or original specification, with a few exceptions that are listed later on.  It has undergone considerable cosmetic and mechanical frame-on restoration.  It is a beautiful solid car that is driven regularly. It runs flawlessly, everything works and it attracts attention everywhere it goes.  It is roadworthy.  On October 4 it was driven over 230 miles round trip, without a hiccup, to watch the vintage races at Colorado’s new High Plains Raceway.  It has been driven an additional 300 miles since then. This is a driver’s car.

HISTORY

According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) Certificate H-BT7-L/116 was built on March 17-18 1959. On page 17 of Roger Moment and Gary Anderson’s Austin-Healey 100/100-6/3000 Restoration Guide, they state regarding the 100-6 to 3000 changeover

“Unlike previous changes, these changes were completed without any production overlaps. The last 100-Sixes were produced in early March 1959, and the first 3000s were produced at the end of that month, though they were not made available until that summer. A new set of chassis numbers was begun … starting with HBT7L/101. From then on , the chassis no all big Healeys would be numbered in a single numerical sequence, simply using whatever body style prefix was appropriate…”

Given the above information and the chassis number, H-BT7-L/116, this car was the 16^th Austin Healey built, and given the March 17-18 build date it was most likely built on the first or second day of the 8 year 3000 model’s production run, making it one of the earliest examples.

Also, according to the BMIHT certificate, the car is still in the original color combination of Healey Blue exterior, blue trim and blue top.  The engine compartment paint appears to e original since it’s shade and wear level match the hidden bodywork color.  With the exception of the “Roadspeed tyres” the car is fitted as per BMIHT with wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and overdrive.

ORIGINALITY & UPDATES

The car is outfitted as originally equipped with original style oil filter, positive ground generator, voltage regulator and mechanical specs. There are several invisible convenience upgrades however, since the car is driven regularly. These include:

·       Radial tires;

·       Pertronix electronic ignition (the original is also included for masochists);

·       An auxiliary electric cooling fan mounted to the front of the radiator. It was originally a mess of wires with a weird non-intrusive thermo switch. The system didn’t work (nor did the car overheat) when I bought the car, although the fan did. I then simply re-wired it through a battery (not ignition) powered relay to a manual switch on the dash.  The direct battery link allows for cooling after you shut the car off on extremely hot days;

MILEAGE & OWNERSHIP

Both the speedometer and the odometer are in good working order, including the trip odometer, and they appear to be quite accurate, although the speedometer bounces at high speed.  Although the odometer mileage cannot be officially documented it could be correct, although 50 years is a long time and who knows? What is known is outlined below:

·       March 17-18, 1959  – Date of build;

·       April 13, 1959 – Date of Dispatch to Dealer- Hambro Trading Co., USA – could have been anywhere since they controlled all Healey distribution and dealerships at the time;

·        1959 -1993 ?? Although, the previous owner had therefore known the car for several years and had bought the car from his wife’s boss, and he  Also, Texas plates were found in the trunk of the car, therefore one could assume that at some point prior to coming to Colorado the car may have been in Texas.  A title search hasn’t been done in Colorado; therefore it could have been here even longer than is known.   

·       1993 - 96,589 (est.) miles,  Previous owner purchase;

·       9/27/07 – 96,683 miles,   Odometer at purchase;

·       10/22/09 – 98,810 miles,         Visual Odometer reading.

PHOTO GALLERY

A supplemental photo gallery can be viewed at

http://picasaweb.google.com/brazilinkllc/60BlueHealey?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyS983FycaRcQ#

SERVICE HISTORY

HBT7-L/116 reportedly had a complete professional engine rebuild within 2000 miles prior to the purchase by the previous owner, however this is undocumented. The excellent manner in which the engine performs combined with extremely minimal leaks by British standards seems to bear this out.  Beyond this, no service history other than verbal prior to 9/07 is available.

ENGINE

The engine is in outstanding condition. It  has passed rigorous Colorado emissions. It starts at the touch of the button cold or hot and runs smoothly, pulling strongly in all gears and overdrive. It holds 40+lbs oil pressure at running speed on a hot day.  Its running temperature is in the normal range for a big Healey, and although heating up, in stop and go traffic on a 95+ day, it does not overheat, and returns to normal temperature once running free again. The aftermarket electric fan operated by manual switch/relay completely eliminates heating up much above normal temperatures in stop and go traffic on even extreme days.  Oil consumption is low and leaks of all types are very minimal. 

Recent engine service history:

·       Check over and eliminate, where possible, leaks of any kind;

·       Light rebuild of SU carburetors, new jets, gaskets etc. shafts checked OK;

·       Rebuilt generator;

·       Pertronix electronic ignition;

·       Pertronix Flame Thrower coil;

·       General lubrication and tune-up.

COOLING SYSTEM

Its running temperature is in the normal range for a big Healey, between 175 and 190 on a hot day, and although heating up in stop and go traffic on a 95+ day, it does not overheat, and returns to normal temperature once running free again, or when the auxiliary electric fan is switched on.  The temperature control was sufficiently stable that it was uneccesary to top off the cooling system over the past summer. In 2009 it was equipped with a new fan belt. The radiator hoses are in very good condition and new radiator hoses (upper & lower) as spares are supplied.

IGNITION

In 2009, the standard points system has been upgraded to a Pertronix electronic ignition system which offers both improved day to day performance and decreased maintenance. It was also concurrently equipped with a Pertronix “Flamethrower” coil.

GAS TANK & FUEL SYSTEM

The gas tank is new (6/2009), as is the filler hose and gas cap A new Fuel tank sender was also fitted at this time. The fuel lines, fuel gauge and electric fuel pump all function as they should. a new gas cap. Also in 2006, the SU HD6 carburetors were rebuilt. The throttle shafts were not replaced as they appeared to be in good condition.

CLUTCH

The clutch was checked professionally when the transmission was out for rebuild in 2007, and the clutch disk, pressure plate and throwout bearing were in like-new condition, thus lending credence to the previous owners statement that the engine had been very recently been rebuilt.

CHARGING SYSTEM

The original positive ground generator system is in place and was rebuilt in 2007.  The system charges flawlessly.

TRANSMISSION & DRIVE TRAIN

The 4 speed transmission and overdrive were professionally rebuilt by KATS British car service in Englewood CO. in 11/2008.  The lay gear, 1^st & reverse and the synchros were replaced.   The transmission shifts flawlessly and quietly (as much as is possible with straight cut gears in a Moss transmission) and the overdrive works perfectly.

SUSPENSION & STEERING

The side rods were replaced in 2009 and the car was aligned. The steering box was adjusted and has minimal play. When the car was aligned by a specialist who sees these cars frequently, he said the front/rear track alignment was among the best he had seen on a big Healey. The trafficator switch was rebuilt so that the directional signal would return by itself.

BRAKES

In 7/2009, the braking system has been totally reconditioned with a new master cylinder, rear wheel cylinders. The front calipers were in excellent condition, working as they should.

BODY

The body is one of the relative high points of H-BT7-L/116. Although not perfect, it is fundamentally sound and straight with no evidence of a major accident. The frame is straight and rust free. The engine bay is quite clean and correct, although the original faded Healey Blue does not exactly match the new (2008) paint. The paint is in excellent overall condition/ The car is driven and therefore has a few minor chips.

Although the car has been in the southwestern United States for a significant portion of its life, there is evidence of welded rust repair in the usual places.  Among these are the lower fender areas in front of the rear or behind the front wheels and some on the floors and inner sills.  By 50 year old un-restored (frame –off) Healey standards it is very minimal and does not appear to have affected the structural rigidity of the car. I have included some pre-paint, pre upholstery pictures of these areas and of the car itself on the website gallery.

GLASS

On the 3000 Mark I, the glass is limited to the windshield, which is in new condition. The Plexiglas in the side curtains and the top are new.

SEATS & INTERIOR

I received the car with a black interior in decent condition, however early Healey blue cars were never manufactured with black interiors. The original specification dark blue with white piping interior is new in original specification condition. The kit was supplied by Sports and Classic of Stamford Connecticut and was installed by Mastercraft of Arvada Colorado.  The carpets and floor insulation were new in 2008.

The Steering wheel, horn push & emblem, adjustable steering wheel mechanism, instrument bezels and various other interior details are decent original and unrestored condition providing the interior with a nice patina.

TOP, TONNEAU & SIDE CURTAINS

The blue vinyl top is new and the original side curtains are in new condition having been reconditioned by Mastercraft. The top bow is new. The vinyl tonneau is either original or a reproduction built directly to original specs.  It includes the support bars which when fully installed make the car among the most attractive shapes among the big Healeys

ELECTRICS & CONTROLS

Well it’s Lucas…………but fortunately in the 3000 Mark I there isn’t too much of it.  All lights, the trafficator and instrumentation work. The original horn, although weak, works as does the electric overdrive.

WHEELS & TIRES

The original 60 spoke wire wheels are in excellent condition, and are fitted with 5 new 165/15 Kumho radial(2007) tires. A A rear hub was replaced in 2008.

CHROME

The bumper bars and two over riders and some of the insignias are new. The rest of the chrome is in excellent like-new condition.

SUMMARY, Payment & Shipping

·       PHOTO GALLERY: In addition to the photos illustrated in this listing, these photos and others are also viewable on my photo gallery website at http://picasaweb.google.com/brazilinkllc/60BlueHealey?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyS983FycaRcQ#

·       The car has clear Colorado title.

·       All receipts are included in the sale

·       This is a 50 + year old vehicle still with many original parts. There is no warranty on the vehicle, express or implied.

·       All bidders with a feedback score of less than 10, please contact me before bidding. If not, your bid may be cancelled. 

·       The car is sold as-is, where is and transportation is the responsibility of the buyer.  Non-US buyers should take note that while the seller can assist in facilitating shipment, the buyer must make the arrangements, preferably through an agent.

·       Inspections are welcome and encouraged, but they must be done before the auction ends.

·       Full payment is due in 7 days, no exceptions.

·       A non-refundable deposit of $2000 is due within 24 hours, via PayPal.

·       The balance by cashiers check drawn on a US bank or bank transfer within 7 days of the completion of the auction.

·       Neither the car nor any documents will be released until all funds have satisfactorily cleared the owner’s bank.

·       The car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction at any time in the event that it is sold.