2008-09-26 20:16:21 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.brightwells.com/3rdparty/orphanspress/classiccars/viewdetails.php

Sellers description:
Estimate £20,000 - £23,000
Description Austin-Healey 3000 MkI (BT7)
Registration XFO 371
Year 1960
Colour Blue/White
Engine size 2,993 cc
Chassis No. HBT7L12326
Engine No. 29DRU-H2770

According to the Heritage Certificate that accompanies it, this particular BT7 was manufactured in September 1960 and despatched via the Donald Healey Motor Company to North America where it was to remain for the next 30 years. Imported back from the dry state of Arizona in about 1990, it then underwent a total nut-and-bolt rebuild which was to take the best part of six years.

As the large amount of receipts and photographs in the history file attest, virtually every single part was repaired or renewed as necessary, the majority of the work being carried out by Big Healey Restorations of Tibshelf, using parts mainly supplied by the Midlands Austin-Healey Centre. This included a total strip, sandblast and rebuild of the chassis, full bodywork restoration, new wiring loom, full mechanical rebuild and an interior retrim in navy blue leather with cream piping. A new hood, hood frame and tonneau cover were also fitted and new seat belts front and rear.

To spice things up a bit, the engine was sent off to John Noble Racing where it was fitted with a Denis Welch fast road cam and special crank oil seal conversion, new pistons and bearings and a high output oil pump. The head and the manifolds were also gas flowed for increased performance. New 72-spoke painted wire wheels were fitted along with a stainless steel exhaust.

Since the restoration was completed in 1996, the car has covered only 1,500 dry miles (as recorded on the speedo which was reset to zero) and is said to drive beautifully with an exhilarating turn of speed and excellent torque which requires minimum use of the four-speed overdrive gearbox. In the current ownership for the last six years, the car appears to be in excellent condition and looks almost as clean underneath as it does up top.

With an MOT until August 2009 and currently taxed, the car is ready to drive away today.