Classic car of the month: Austin-Healey 3000

What is that beautiful low-slung two-door roadster with a purring growl emanating from its tailpipe that you saw at the British Columbia Classic & Custom Car Show? If you thought it was an MG, but it wasn't, it may have been an Austin-Healey 3000, one of the most popular collector cars that love to be driven.

The big Healey adored by motorists and competitors

The 1960s represented a decade of growth and excitement around the great British sports car. The compact two-seat/two-door design with an open-top and playful engine celebrated the growing love of simply driving.

Launched in 1959, the new Austin Healey 3000 added a beefy inline 6-cylinder engine to their lineup, which pumped up the small car's top speed to 100 mph. Leaving the Austin-Healey Sprite behind, the new 3000 became an instant classic for motorheads and racers around the globe. Its low and long design simply screamed Hollywood glamour, while its beefy haunches hid its capable suspension.

Better yet, this machine was never targeted at the elite and luxury markets, which made it accessible to lovers of the open road then and now.

Specs Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III

The 3000 was built in three iterations over its lifetime, but the third and last remains the one that everyone wants to pilot. The Mark III added a third carburettor to its powerplant that increased horsepower up to 150, which meant that its muscle now matched the growl under the hood.

• Years: 1963 to 1967
• Engine: 2.9L inline 6-cylinder
• Bore: 83.4 mm
• Stroke: 88.9 mm
• Horsepower: 150
• Torque: 170 lb-ft.
• Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
• Wheelbase: 92 inches
• Suspension: Rear leaf spring, front wishbone with coil spring
• Steering: Cam and Roller
• Seating: 2+2
• Convertible Top: Standard soft top with available hard top when sacrificing the rear seat
• Amenities: Roll-down windows, walnut dash
• Original MSRP: $3,570

The roadster that gathered trophies around the world

Once the beauty of the tri-carb was added under the hood, sports car drivers from around the world couldn't wait to put this baby to the test. In 1963, John Harris took home the trophy at the BARC Goodwood competition while Barry Faeron gathered top nods at the SCCA Regional Vineland meet.

The little car that could traveled to Silverstone, Sebring, South Africa, and Le Mans.

From its launch in 1959 through 1981, the 3000 entered more than 1240 races around the world, even taking a bow at the Australian SCC Adelaide meet in 1977. While it would never reach the pinnacle of sports car fame, its beauty, natural athleticism, and durable construction ensured that it became a favourite among collectors who loved to put their cars to the test.

The popular British import makes for a fun collector car today

One curious fact about the Austin-Healey 3000, is that the majority of vehicles that rolled off the factory floor in Abingdon, UK were destined for the sales floor in North America.

A total of 42,925 3000s were manufactured over its eight-year run. More than 17,000 of those were the Mark III. Since most of the rides were shipped across the pond, this makes the Austin-Healey 3000 one of the easier British sports cars to find in the Canadian collector car market. The challenge remains in finding one that was not raced, as many of them suffered damage during competition. Rarer still, an original engine! Since this car was born to be driven.

The cost of adding an Austin-Healey 3000 to your classic car collection

The average price for an Austin-Healey 3000 in good condition will run around $60,000. The highest price went for about $200,000 in 2021 at auction. You can find a parts-car or one needing extensive restoration for as little as $10,000.

Remember to protect your new investment

If you do decide to buy a Mark III for your private enjoyment, make sure that it is protected against theft, fire, and any accidents with collector car insurance from Orbit Insurance Services.