Classic Car

The 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I

admin November 8, 2024

𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟏 | 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧-𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐌𝐤 𝐈

The 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I is a classic British roadster known for its sporty performance and stylish design. Powered by a 2.9-liter inline-six engine, the Mk I delivers smooth acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage sports cars. The car’s sleek body features the iconic curved fenders and chrome accents, while the interior offers a simple yet elegant layout with leather seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. As part of the beloved Austin-Healey 3000 series, the 1961 Mk I remains a highly sought-after model for collectors and classic car fans.

This 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 Mk I was acquired by the seller in 2015, reportedly from a previous owner of 30 years. The car was refurbished under previous ownership and the 2.9-liter inline-six and four-speed manual transmission were rebuilt in 2010. Work under current ownership has included refinishing the exterior in red, reupholstering the tan interior, rebuilding the carburetors, installing electronic ignition, and replacing the tires, clutch and brake master cylinders, brake pads, water pump, belts, spark plugs, and plug wires. The car is equipped with a tan soft top, 15″ knock-off wire wheels, front disc brakes, a Union Jack tonneau cover, a hood scoop, detachable side windows, a cabin heater, and front bucket seats. This 3000 Mk I is now offered with spare parts and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

A repaint in red was completed in 2019, and exterior features include a removable tan soft top, a Union Jack tonneau cover, a hood scoop, detachable side windows, bright trim, and chrome bumpers with overriders.

The 15″ knock-off wire wheels are mounted with 175/65 Continental ContiProContact tires showing 2015 date codes. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums. The brake master cylinder and brake pads were replaced in 2016.

The 2+2 cabin features bucket seats reupholstered in tan leather and replacement carpeting. Interior appointments include a cabin heater, door storage pockets, and lap belts.

The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames Smiths white-dial instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, a fuel-level gauge, and a combination gauge displaying oil pressure and water temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 24k miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 2.9-liter inline-six featured dual SU HD6 carburetors from the factory for a rating of 137 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The seller states that the engine was rebuilt in 2010 and that the electronic ignition and chrome valve cover were installed under current ownership along with replacing the water pump, belts, spark plugs, and plug wires in 2016.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission with Laycock-de Normanville electric overdrive. The transmission is said to have been rebuilt in 2010 and the clutch master cylinder was replaced in 2016. A transmission fluid leak is noted.