Description
The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 to 1967. It is the best known of the “big Healey” models. The car's bodywork was made by Jensen Motors and the vehicles were assembled at BMC's MG Works in Abingdon, alongside the company's MG models.
During its production life, the car changed from an open sports car, albeit with a child-carrying 2+2 option, into a sports convertible. In 1963, 91,5 percent of all Austin-Healey 3000s were exported; most to North America. The 3-litre 3000 was a very successful car, winning its class in many European rallies in its heyday and is still raced in classic car competitions by enthusiasts today.
British Motor Corporation ended production in 1967, with the intention that its place would be taken by a car with a new but similar engine in a more recently designed monocoque MGB variant named MGC.
1966 Mark III BJ8 sports convertible (North America)
The 3000 sports convertible Mark III was announced in February 1964 with power increased from 136 hp to 150 hp due to a new higher lift camshaft. SU HD8 carburettors replaced the HS6 units, increasing the choke dimensions from 1.75 to 2 inches, or a total surface area of 6.3 sq. m. inches, an increase of 30.6%. Power brakes became standard instead of optional. The dashboard of the new car shows the speedometer and tachometer directly in front of the driver. The upholstery was now made of Ambla vinyl.
The Mark III BJ8 remained in production until the end of 1967, after which production of the Austin-Healey 3000 ceased.
In May 1964, the Phase II version of the Mark III was released, which gained more ground clearance through a modified rear chassis. In March 1965 the car received separate direction indicators.
17.712 Mark IIIs were produced.
