2021-11-25 10:49:03 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 11//21

themarket.co.uk/en/listings/austin-healey/3000-mk1-bt7/2e9f6194-220c-45a5-92e9-8 ...

Auction description:

Location: The Market HQ, Abingdon, United Kingdom

Odometer Reading: 14600

Chassis Number: HBT7/11475

Engine: 2912

Gearbox: Manual w/ Overdrive

Steering position: RHD

Colour: Red

Interior: Grey

Estimated Price: £39,000 - £49,000

This is a wonderfully well-travelled example of the iconic 3000, which benefits from being an original UK-delivered vehicle, prior to setting off on its globe-trotting adventures.

Delivered new in 1961 by Saul & Slatter limited of Palmers Green, London and out-shopped in Healey Blue bodywork with a blue interior and hood, this home-market vehicle survived in the UK until the mid 1970s, when it was exported to the one and only Canadian owner in 1976, remaining in Ontario until purchased by our vendor - a lifelong British sports car enthusiast - in June 2021.

From the factory, this example was evidently well-specified, with wire wheels, overdrive, a cabin heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen and ‘road speed tyres’ though the hardtop you see in the photographs was a later addition during the car’s time in Canada.

During 2000, the car received a body-off restoration, including a full respray in striking Colorado Red and the overhaul of the matching-numbers engine, with works being carried out to the highest standard, irrespective of cost, as evidenced by the invoices below.

Following two comprehensive appraisals and a ‘virtual test drive’ our vendor imported the car, shipping it from Montreal via Toronto, eventually landing in Liverpool after all taxes, duties and paperwork (NOVA and registration) were filed and squared away. As our vendor states, that process was an adventure in itself, as anyone that has imported a car will be able to sympathise.

The car was then prepared by Abingdon Car Restorations to pass the MOT with no advisory items, during which time the mechanics commented on the overall condition of the bodywork, chassis and powertrain, all of which remain in excellent condition following the aforementioned restoration work.

Having replaced the front callipers, pads and kingpin bushes, along with fitting slightly narrower tyres, a set of CIBIE headlights and upgraded rear lights to emphasise the stop/turn functions, the car has seen limited use, though whilst out on the road the vendor states the car has been in rude health, and that it drove “extremely well” which is always music to our ears.

Ready to use and enjoy as it sits, or an excellent base for a period race or rally car in the style of the BMC Competition cars, this is a wonderful example of a car with its roots steeped in competitive racing, or as an excellent weekend toy.

On the Outside

Resplendent in Colorado Red with a matching hard-top, this MK1 3000 looks absolutely stunning from every angle, and has evidently been cosseted since the respray took place 21 years ago.

The bodywork looks to be wonderfully straight throughout with no sign of any dents, damage or tell-tale signs of impact, whilst the panel gaps are all nice and even, perhaps even better than when they left the factory.

Similarly, the paintwork remains in fantastic shape despite its age, though this is no doubt helped by the limited use since the restoration took place. We’d expect to see a couple of light marks such as stone chips and general usage signs, but there is no bubbling, major wear or notable scratches that we’re aware of, nor that we’ve seen.

All four of the wire wheels are in very good condition and wrapped in nearly-new rubber following the car’s import to the UK, though there are a few marks on the edges of the wheels here-and-there that a fastidious owner may wish to address.

Alongside the aforementioned light upgrades, the car has also gained some front wing vents that it would not have left the factory with, though this is a period-correct modification and one that can be seen on competition cars of the era, so they look perfectly at home on this Big Healey.

On the Inside

Extensively overhauled courtesy of Aldridge Trimming products whilst in Canada, the cabin of this Healey is in just as good condition as the bodywork, and also benefits from comprehensive sound deadening (as seen under the carpets) aftermarket seat-belts for added safety, and - of course - the reconditioned hard-top, always a welcome sight on any Healey.

The seats show very little sign of wear-and-tear, which is testament to the owner’s attention when caring for this classic icon. The carpets are also in excellent condition, particularly around the transmission tunnel which is often a notable ‘wear point’ on these cars.

Up above, the headliner of the hard top would benefit from some love and attention, though there are no reported water-proofing or fitment issues, which is the most important thing. The inner edges of the doors also have some visible wear, though beyond this the cabin is in fantastic condition, even down to the period dials and wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel.

The supplied Tonneau cover is in very good condition, though there are a few marks and creases from being stored for an extended period of time, which will no doubt be remedied by a good leather treatment and some more regular use.

Underneath

Winning several comments and admiring looks from various mechanics and appraisers, the chassis of this MK1 3000 is in excellent condition, and apparently free from any sign of corrosion beyond some flaking paint. As we’ve already mentioned, the kingpins and front brakes were replaced prior to the car’s MOT exam following import, and there are no signs of any worrying fluid or oil leaks.

Out on the road, the car is reported to be in fantastic mechanical health, and our photographer has certainly not mentioned anything to the contrary. The 2.9-litre inline-six engine looks to be in fantastic condition also, judging from what we can see under the bonnet.

In fact, the only known issues are that the overdrive switch needs attention and the battery isolation switch is tough to operate.

The car’s current MOT certificate - dated 12 November 2021 - shows no advisory items whatsoever. None. Excellent!

History Highlights

Evidently maintained irrespective of cost and to the highest standards whilst in Canada, there is a veritable treasure trove of invoices and other documentation included in the gallery below for you to peruse at your leisure, including paperwork relating to the respray and body-off restoration during the early 2000s.

Alongside this, there is the BMC Heritage Certificate confirming the car’s original specification and options, the V5 showing 0 former UK keepers (though there was at least one prior to export in the 70’s) various parts catalogues, an owners manual, the paperwork from the appraisal, and the registration document from the car’s time in Ontario.