Austin-Healey 3000
Posted: 2:18pm, 30 April 2007
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FOR Quintessential British sports car. Glorious engine note
AGAINST Pre-war feel. Low ground clearance
Ease of ownership Well supported with excellent spares availability The right car for you The MkIII versions (1964 onwards) have wind-up windows, easy to erect-hoods and attractive wood-veneered dashboards. The MkI (1959-1961) and early MkII (1961-1962) versions have purer styling. Both the MkI and MkII are available as two- or four-seaters, although the rear seats are strictly for children. Beware Accident damage to the chassis rails, distortion to the soft aluminium grille surround and rot in the sills and floorpans. Uneven panel gaps and a badly-fitting bonnet or boot lid. Are they easy to buy? Yes, particularly with the high number of cars that have returned to the UK since the Eighties. You’ll need to look very carefully and objectively – it’s easy to be taken in by a ’Healey’s good looks. Go for a drive ’Healey’s aren’t for everybody. Their pre-war-like mechanical design can make them feel crude and they suffer scuttle shake over bumpy roads. Can I use it every day? Yes, as long as you’re prepared to maintain it regularly. Interiors are renowned for absorbing engine heat in traffic. The rare hard top is a sensible all-weather option. What will it cost to run? An annual 6000-mile service is about £350 with another £500 for miscellaneous repairs. Says specialist Jonathan Everard of JME Healeys (01926 425038): ‘Healeys may be simple mechanically, but they need regular servicing.’ The engine needs an unleaded conversion, costing around £900. Insurance starts from £109. Specialist support Big ’Healeys enjoy strong specialist support across the UK. Membership of the Austin-Healey Owners’ Club (www.austin-healey-club.com) is essential, as is a read of Original Austin-Healey by Anders Ditlev Clausager (ISBN 1 870979 13 3). To tell us about your ownership experiences, click the 'Add comment' button below Words: Glen Waddington Pictures: Classic Cars archive |
 Austin-Healey 3000, 1959-1968, 2912cc straight six, 105-121mph, £6000 (rough MKI) – £31,000 (perfect MKIII) 
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