Austen Healey 3000 Classic Car

When it comes to classic cars, the Austin Healey 3000 is an exceptional family sports car that won rallies all around the world. The 300 model was produced on a large scale between 1959 and 1967. In fact, there are three available versions of the model: Mark I, Mark II and Mark III. The Mark III version is also known as BJ8 Series and it’s the most luxurious and powerful Austin Healey ever made.

The MK I version is equipped with a 2912 cc l6 engine, Girling front disc brakes and of course twin SU carburetors. The model kept being produced between 1959 and March 1961 and came in two versions: 4-seat and 2-seat version. As available options we can mention the overdrive gearbox, the heater, a detachable hard top and wire wheels.

When it comes to performance, a test drive organized by The Motor magazine back in the 1960s proved that the car could reach a top speed of 115 mph and could get from 0 to 60 mph in just 11.7 seconds. As for fuel consumption, 21.6 miles per imperial gallon doesn’t seem that much.

The next version, Mark II was released in March 1961 with some improvements. Initially the Mark II was equipped with three SU HS4 carburetors, but later on due to some problems the number of carburetors was reduced to two. Another improvement was the camshaft and later on the wind-up windows, the vertical barred front grill and the windscreen. Then, in August 1961, a brake servo became available, but only as optional though it really improved breaking performance.

A performance test for this version was made by The Motor magazine in 1961. The test proved that the car could reach 112.9 mph and could get from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds. As for fuel consumption, it was discovered that you could drive 23.5 miles with just one imperial gallon of gas.

The astounding Mark III version has a six cylinder engine that produces 148 bhp, twin SU HD8 carburetors and a manual gearbox with four speeds available. With this equipment, the car is able to go as fast as 122 mph and reach 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. It can definitely compete even nowadays against a sports car. For handling purposes the BJ8 takes advantage of a brake servo and two trailing arms for the rear suspension in addition to the standard drum brakes.

The inside is comfortable, with a 2 plus 2 formation and was later on improved by adding a wind-up window and a centre console surround. The production of BJ8 lasted 4 years, during 1963 and 1967. The launch was a success back then due to the affordable price that was proportional with the quality of the interiors and the performance.

With each version of Austin Healey 3000 classic car, the performance increased, but the price was always affordable, that’s what made these cars such a hit. The revolutionary design and technology made them stars of their time.

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