2025-10-05 10:01:46 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 10/25
www.iconicauctioneers.com/1960-healey-3000-mk1-bt7-rec16037-1-nec-1125

Auction description:
The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MK1 BT7 to Fast Road Spec
Registration Number 963 XVR
MOT Expiry Exempt
Chassis Number HBT7-L/12263
Engine Number
Transmission Manual
Body Colour Ice Blue

Superbly restored to a 'Fast Road' specification with a 'nod' to those iconic competition Healeys of the Sixties, this matching numbers, early-production 3000 has seen very little use since completion.
According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate, this 3000 BT7 was dispatched from Abingdon on 16th September 1960, finished in Ice Blue with blue trim and hood, and shipped to the USA as a 'personal export delivery' via the Donald Healey Motor Co. in Warwick. Little is known of its history or early life in America apart from a tax disc from North Carolina dated 1971 and a later Tennessee licence plate dated 1980.

Returning to the UK in 1989, #L/12263 showed evidence of a busy life in the US and was in need of some rejuvenation. It retained its original engine, gearbox and running gear, however, a full 'nut & bolt' restoration was undoubtedly on the cards so the decision was taken to fully dismantle the car. Fortunately, talented Australian restorer, Allen Corcoran, was working in London at the time and he was tasked with returning the car's chassis and bodywork to top form, a process which we understand took over 1,200 hours. He skilfully repaired all the original panels with the exception of the floors, added a bolt-in half roll-cage, and fitted the all important wing vents to aid cooling within the engine bay, sensible modifications which also added to the cars “fast road” appearance.

The engine was dispatched to South London BMC experts, Motortech, who worked their magic producing a fully rebuilt and balanced unit that incorporated new pistons, a reground crankshaft with all new bearings, a re-profiled cam, Denis Welch large valves and guides, and triple 1¾inch HD6 SU carburettors utilising Denis Welch inlet manifolds all breathing through a 6-into-2 stainless steel exhaust manifold and side-exit silencer. As you would expect, the extensive rebuild did not end there, with the gearbox, overdrive and final drive being overhauled by Hardy Engineering, a conversion to right-hand drive, new high-ratio steering box, BJ8 brake calipers, and all ancillaries either reconditioned or replaced as required including a new fuel tank, radiator and MWS wheels.

Finally, the bodywork was finished in the distinctive Ice Blue that is synonymous with 'Big Healeys', the new wire wheels present well in silver, and the cockpit has been fully retrimmed in navy blue leather piped in cream with dark blue carpets, all complemented by a Moto-Lita wood-rim wheel. We understand this work was completed in 2021, however, it should be noted that due to a change in the owner’s priorities, the Healey has only covered approximately 200 road miles since so a continued period of running-in is recommended to get the very best from this delightful BT7. The car is accompanied by a ‘works’ hardtop in Old English White but that remains unrestored.

Very early versions of many sports cars display a certain purity of line that disappears on later models with the arrival of 'wings and things' and that is certainly the case with this elegant 1960 3000. We invite and encourage you to come along to the NEC and view the car for yourself.