2013-03-01 00:24:20 | Lofty writes:

Car to be at auction 3/13
www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2013-03-09/car/1961-austin-healey-3000-mk-i- ...

Auction description:
Lot 245
Registration 703 YUS
Chassis Number H-BT7-L/13772
Engine Number 29E-RU-H/463
Odometer reading 92,241
Estimate £32,000 - £38,000
We are proud to offer this late Austin Healey BT7 Mk.1, manufactured between the 11th and 16th May 1961 and despatched to the USA on the 6th June 1961 wearing black livery, red interior and the optional adjustable steering column. The Healey eventually found its way to Malta in 2004, now boating primrose/white coachwork and a black interior. Whilst in Malta the car was extensively upgraded whereby the following mechanical works were carried out and is as the car sits today: Engine rebuilt with the addition of a balanced crankshaft, steel flywheel with a race harmonic balancer, rear oil seal conversion, lightened connecting rod nuts (ARP), narrow valve seating for improved airflow, uprated valve springs, flowed matching inlet and exhaust porting, steel rocker pillars and tuftrided rocker shaft, high compression ratio and a BJ8 camshaft. A 123 ignition, heavy duty coil and high tension ignition leads provides the sparks. Fuel is supplied via the triple 1/12 inch SU carburettors with uprated needles with the exhaust extraction via a tubular race manifold. Cooling is provided via an alloy radiator and alloy water pump pulley. Drive is through a heavy duty clutch to a rebuilt gearbox that incorporates Sebring close ratio gearing with new synchromesh, and bearings and finally to a competition overdrive with tall housing and new mountings. A full Dennis Welch race suspension is fitted that includes modified rear leaf springs, anti roll bar, negative front wheel camber and uprated shock absorbers all around. In 2010 the Healey was entered into the Valetta Grand Prix where it won its class.

The car was then repatriated into the UK during 2012 whereby further restoration works were carried out, these include a strip to bare metal, new floor pans, boot floor, inner and outer sills, B-posts and a new laminated windscreen. A new wiring loom was fitted ensuring competent electrics as well as the chromework being re-chromed and all coachwork rubbers and seals fitted. An overhauled heater ensures warmth during those cooler summer days. At this time it was decided to return this Healey back to its original finish of black with red interior as verified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate; the interior being trimmed in leather.

Today this Healey 3000 BT7 Mk.1 looks resplendent with its black coachwork and red leather interior and complemented with a set of chrome rimmed/stainless steel wire wheels and Moto-Lita steering wheel. UK registered with all duties paid and with an MoT test certificate, valid until January 2014, and current historic road fund licence, this big Healey may be enjoyed straight away.