2011-02-18 15:33:00 | Lofty writes:

Sold by Fantasy Junction. www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/406-Austin-Healey-BN7%203000%20Mk.%20I-Inline%206%2 ... Comments 1961 Austin Healey Mk. I 3000 BN7 s/n HBN7L12407, engine no. 29D/RU/H22442 White with Grey trim and Black Interior The Austin-Healey Mk. I 3000 was the first three-litre `big Healey` and represents a nice compromise between the larger more luxurious Mk. II and Mk III models, and the cleaner styling and simplicity of the earlier cars. It has a shapely metal dashboard, flat windscreen, fully removable weather equipment, and the more pronounced `coke bottle` rear fender profile. Originally introduced in 1952 to fill the large gap between cars like the Triumph TR2 and MG TD and cars like the Jaguar XK-120, the earliest of these `big Healeys`, the 100/4, was powered by a four-cylinder engine derived from those used in Austin A90 Saloons. By 1956, car had become the 100-Six, which was powered by a 2.7 litre six cylinder engine, which would grow to nearly three litres for 1959. This car is a solid black-plate California car that has seen some driver quality restorative work but retains a nice feel with light patina. There are receipts from the last few years included, which show regular maintenance items and some cosmetic refurbishment, including new wheels, tires, bearings, hubs, and knock-offs, as well as a generator rebuild and normal upkeep such as spark plugs, wires, belts, and spin-on oil filter conversion. The car also has had new seat upholstery and carpets installed. The car is cosmetically nice, with a driver-quality repaint over relatively straight panels. The chrome is presentable with some hazing and light pitting, and the wheels and knock-offs are both excellent, having been replaced within the last several years. The glass and lenses are excellent. The interior has a cohesive original feel, with well-preserved dash and instruments, and the recent carpets and seat upholstery to good standards. There is moderate patina to some of the trim. A pair of three-point seatbelts has been fitted as well. The trunk and engine compartment also have a predominantly original feel, with the original spare tire cover, as well as a knock-off hammer. The engine compartment is quite clean and tidy. The engine itself sounds and runs great, and has every indication that it was rebuilt as part of the restoration, but we do not have records to confirm this. The underside is solid having benefited from its long-term California ownership. There is evidence of good quality corrosion repair to the rocker panels, which is common to these cars even in the best case scenario. It is our observation that one of the front fenders has also been replaced at some point. The car comes with an unrestored top and top frame, original side curtains, the original driver`s handbook, and the original painted wire wheels. There are some records from the cosmetic side of the restoration work This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive and extremely usable example of one of the quintessential British sports cars. It is attractive but not so nice as to be used and enjoyed as frequently and extensively as the new owner wishes. Contact Information Fantasy Junction +1 510 653 7555 Emeryville, California 94608 USA