Designed by talented engineer and designer Donald Healey, the”Big Healey was a stylish and powerful automobile that was well-received by car enthusiasts and racers alike. With its timeless design and excellent performance, this model remains an iconic and highly regarded sports vehicle to this day.
Source: Historics Auctioneers
The 1950s and 1960s went down the history as a “Golden age” of British sports vehicles. The standout model cemented its reputation as a stylish and powerful automobile and one of the most sought-after British racing machines of its era. Interestingly, it was both popular in Europe and the USA, where most of the exported left-hand automobiles went. Today, it’s very difficult to find original right-hand drive automobiles which makes them highly regarded and desirable collectibles for any classic car collector emphasizing the legacy and value of this glorious model.
Source: John Skinner LTD
The model was the result of a collaboration between Donald Healey, a talented engineer and designer, and the Austin Motor Company. Healey had already established a reputation as a successful racer and designer of sports vehicles, and in the 1950s he set out to create a new automobile that would appeal to sports car enthusiasts. He partnered with the Austin Motor Company to produce the 3000, which was introduced in 1959. The 3000 was known for its excellent handling, thanks to its well-designed suspension and balanced weight distribution. It was offered in several different versions over the years, including Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, and BJ8. Each of these modifications offered different levels of performance and features, remaining popular with automobile enthusiasts and racers alike. This glorious vehicle was produced until 1967 when production was halted due to safety and emissions regulations. Despite this, the 3000 remains a classic and highly regarded sports vehicle, and it continues to inspire enthusiasts and fans of the golden age of sports cars.
Source: Mecum Auctions
The 1959 edition was a two-door, two-seater sports roadster that was powered by a 2.9-liter inline-six engine. This engine was a versatile power plant that was capable of producing good power and torque. It also appeared in other Austin automobiles and was known for its reliability and durability. The 1959 edition also had a sturdy frame and a well-designed suspension system, which gave it excellent handling and balanced weight distribution. The 3000 had a top speed of around 115 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds. This, combined with its responsive steering and precise handling, made the 3000 a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts. The 3000 was also known for its classic and stylish design, which included a long hood, a rounded grille, and a sleek body that gave it a timeless and elegant appearance. Its rounded grille, sleek body, and elegant hood made it an iconic classic car, inspired by the Ferrari 250 TR, which was another classic sports vehicle of the era. In terms of interior features, the 1959 release was equipped with leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a full complement of gauges, including a speedometer, a tachometer, and an oil pressure gauge. It also had a simple and functional interior layout, with controls that were easy to reach and operate.
Overall, the 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 was a well-designed and well-engineered sports roadster that offered excellent performance and handling. Its timeless design, combined with its powerful engine and precise handling, made it a popular and highly regarded classic automobile that is still appreciated by sports car enthusiasts today.
Source: Yahoo Autos
The Austin-Healey 3000 had been a popular model in cinematography and had been featured in several classic and iconic movies over the years. Its timeless design and high-performance capabilities have made it a popular choice for filmmakers and helped to establish its reputation as a true classic. Famous films that featured the 1959 edition include “The Italian Job” (1969), “The Love Bug” (1968), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968), and “Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies” (1969).
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