Austin Healey 3000 UK Classic Car 1959 to 1967
The combination of Austin’s 3-litre engine and Donald Healey’s sports car produced a rugged classic with enormous character and an impressive competition record.
“Healeys are not the easiest of cars to drive, as the ‘works’ rally drivers would testify. Steering is heavy and shifting is awkward (although flicking a switch in and out of overdrive is delightfully easy). The Healey’s basic tendency is to go straight at corners, so it needs a firm hand. Bumpy roads will throw the stiffly sprung back axle off line, make the scuttle shake and the steering wheel kick. Apply too much power in corners and you easily trade understeer for oversteer, though that’s just an accepted part of the car’s character.”
The last, the best, and definitely the fastest of the 3000 line is the MkIII. It has an improved interior, wooden dashboard, power up from 131bhp to 148bhp, plus a revised chassis that improves the rear suspension and better locates the back axle.
This hybrid designed by Donald Healey and incorporating Austin running gear helped make the 3000 one of the greatest British sports cars ever assembled.
ENGINE
Type: In-line six cylinder
Construction: Cast-iron block and head
Valve gear: Two in-line valves per cylinder operated by single block-mounted camshaft, pushrods and rockers
Bore and stroke: 83mm (8.26in) x 89mm (3.50in)
Displacement: 2912cc (178ci)
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Induction system: Two SU carburetors
Maximum power: 148bhp at 5250rpm
Maximum torque: 165lb-ft at 3500rpm
Top speed: 193km/h (120mph)
0-96km (0-60mph): not quoted
TRANSMISSION
Four-speed manual with overdrive on third and fourth gear
BODY/CHASSIS
X-braced ladder-frame chassis with steel 2+2 convertible body
SPECIAL FEATURES
The left-exiting exhaust shows that this is a left-hand-drive model. About 90 per cent of 3000s were exported.
RUNNING GEAR
Steering: Cam-and-peg
Front suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs, lever arm shocks and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, lever arm shocks and radius arms
Brakes: Discs (front), drums (rear)
Wheels: Knock-on centre-lock wire spoke 11.4cm (4.5in)x 38.1cm (15in)
Tyres: Crossply 15cm (5.9in) x 38.1cm (15in)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4m (157.5in)
Width: 1.54m (60.5in)
Height: 1.27m (50in)
Wheelbase: 234cm (92in)
Track: 124cm (48.8in) (front), 127cm (50in) (rear)
Weight: 1156kg (2549lbs)
For a quick and simple online quotation for your cherished car, visit the classic car insurance section of the website at http://yinsurance.co.uk/motor/classic-car/
Related posts:
- Austin Mini MK 1 UK Classic Car 1959 to 1967
- Austin Mini Cooper UK Classic Car 1961 to 1971
- MGA Classic Car Insurance
- Bentley Continental R UK Classic Car 1952 to 1955
- Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato UK Classic Car 1960-1963
- Aston Martin DB6 UK Classic Car 1965 to 1970
- Jaguar XJ6 UK Classic Car 1968 to 1973
- Jaguar XK120 UK Classic Car 1948 to 1954
- AC 3000ME UK Classic Car 1979 to 1985
- Alvis TD21 UK Classic Car 1958 to 1963
