We are delighted to offer this truly incredible 1959 Austin Healey 3000. Not only does it possess the design elegance which Healeys are renowned for, but this example has been sensibly modified over the years by known Healey specialists to create an example that combines breath taking performance with features that make the driving experience a more comfortable one, including a 5-speed gearbox and air-conditioning.
As you can imagine with circa 245HP on tap, a huge amount has been invested in this car to bring it up to the standard it is now, and it is a car that has been meticulously fettled to deliver exhilarating performance when asked but is reliable and perfectly at home touring extensive distances. Indeed, in recent Healey events it has travelled without fault, from the Gold Coast to Perth and back, to northern QLD and in this year from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
The current owner who is a long-standing member of the Healey community has had this car for 7 years and unfortunately now needs to let the car go due to a medical condition preventing it being used.
Previous owners include a whos who in the Healey world.
We know Dave Woodhouse was an owner in the 70s and 80s. He was a renowned engine builder, and he owned the car and built a very capable engine back then.
Dave Dawson then purchased the car in the late 80s and instructed The Healey Factory to further modify this Healey including work to the suspension, brakes (all round discs), the fitment of the Heavy Duty Supra Gearbox, the air-conditioning and had the interior restored too. The original colour flash was also changed from red to blue.
Dave Dawson sold the car in 2009 to Gary Whitrod who in turn sold to Tony Rogers. In 2014 he commissioned further extensive modifications. Over a 2-year period some $80,000 was invested with PowerPlay in Melbourne, making this an incredibly capable car with its engine as the centre piece. Running on triple 45 Webers the 3275cc engine produces some 245HP at the flywheel and delivers thrilling performance. As you would imagine it has been carefully engineered to deliver this reliably with fitment of a large Aluminium radiator and upgraded cooling fan amongst numerous items.
A full and extensive record of this work accompanies the car.
Externally the car has been treated to new paint by the current owners in Old English White over Dark Blue. It is stunning and suits the car incredibly well. The car sits on 205 65/R15 Minilites that look purposeful and are in perfect order.
Once sat inside you are greeted by a dashboard that is simply gorgeous to the eye, and the cabin is simply a lovely place to be. The rare Smiths Click Tachometer is particularly appealing to the eye. All the gauges work are clear and like new. Usefully a number of dash warning lights have been fitted to keep the driver informed. It has been reupholstered and the blue leather seats are in excellent order and work so well with the colour of the car. New carpeting was also fitted finishing off the internal space perfectly.
Turn the key are you really know this engine means business. It starts easily and settles into an even idle. Out on the open road the car is just superb. Interestingly all the controls and inputs are easy to use. The clutch is not heavy, the brakes are even in their application and very responsive and the 5-speed gearbox is a delight to use and its easy to work through the gears. The 3.5 differential makes it particularly easy for cruising speeds.
When you want to push on this car really is a thrill. The throttle responsive is immediate and the noise from that engine is addictive. It really does go and go and go. It would never fail to put a smile on your face.
The handling is impressive due in part to the fitment of Koni adjustable shock absorbers, 4-wheel power disc brakes and much investment in the suspension. The steering response is immediate and unusually good. The whole package is adds up to a car that is pin sharp in every respect.
To finish the car off perfectly it comes with a matching factory hard top, soft top and tonneau made from matching blue Mercedes material and side screens which are like new.
The air-conditioning is a wonderful feature of this car allowing it to become a comfortable tourer when required. It works incredibly well.
In summary this Healey is a truly special car. Its perfectly at home as a tourer; comfortable, practical with plenty of torque and power on tap. When you want to indulge in some spirited driving it delivers, in spades. This is one well appointed car with everything done and wants for nothing other than to be driven and enjoyed.
2 large folders of invoices and documents supporting its history accompany the car.