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FOR SALE

1960 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7

£39,950

UK Home Market | Heritage Certificate | Low Ownership | Lovely Condition

  • Mileage~31,106 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.9L
  • LocationHarleston

£39,950

1960 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7

Premium Classified Sale

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A true icon of British sports car heritage, blending timeless style and open-top thrills - it captures the spirit of classic motoring at its very best.

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a quintessential British sports car, embodying the spirit of open-air motoring with a perfect blend of performance, style, and driving engagement. As part of the "Big Healey" lineup, the BT7 was the next in line from the 100/6, updating the model with a more refined, yet still raw and exciting, driving experience. Powered by a robust 2.9 litre inline-six engine producing ~124BHP the BT7 offers spirited acceleration and a throaty exhaust note that thrilled enthusiasts.

With its distinctive long-hood, short-rear-deck proportions and sleek, flowing lines, the 3000 BT7 added improved brakes and handling over its predecessor, making it a favourite in rallying and endurance racing, further cementing its status as a motorsport icon.

This example comes to market from over ~2 years with the current owner. It comes with the heritage certificate and has some choice modifications and upgrades including an updated racing camshaft, spin on oil filter, modified alternator, larger set of carburettors and a Denis Welch overdrive switch fitted to the aftermarket centre-change gear stick.

The engine has all new core plugs, has been repainted to period correct Austin-Healey colours, a new overdrive solenoid installed and a side exhaust system has been fitted. All rubber fuel and cooling pipes have been replaced too.

A great opportunity to own a lovely piece of classic motoring, the Austin-Healey comes to market with low ownership and presenting in lovely condition - all ready for the next owner to cherish and enjoy.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Tim the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior

Timeless curves, signature grille, and unmistakable roadster stance - a perfect blend of elegance and sporting flair that defines the golden era of British motoring.

Wheels and Tyres

The 3000 is set on 15" chrome multi-spoke wire wheels - these are in great condition with very minor marks and overall look really smart.

Being picky, the spinners show some tarnishing to the finish which would benefit from a light clean up.

The front of the Healey is fitted with Avon tyres with date codes from 2019 and a spec of 185/70. To the rear the car was fitted with Hankook Optimos from 2011 and a spec of 195/70.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Austin and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The bodywork of the Austin-Healey showed in great condition overall. Looking over the exterior, the panel lines looking straight and well-aligned. Both doors, bonnet and boot open and close without issue, with the panels gaps all showing without concern, it has all alloy wings.

We noted a slight sign of bubbling on the rear quarter panel closest to the drivers door handle and the driver side door panel.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a smart split coat of Healey Blue and Cream, the coverage is beautiful across the car with no noted differences in colour.

There were a couple of very minor marks towards the front of the car and a slight scuff to the passenger side rear bumper, but nothing overly concerning to detract from the overall quality.

The car has been garage stored in the ~2 years the current owner.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen, side windows, front and rear lights all appear in very good condition, and we could see no sign of scratching or chips on the glass. We didn't note any issues on the seals on the exterior and these areas showed to be in-line with the rest of the condition of the car.

Badges and emblems are present, correct and look very smart. The '3000' badge was replaced in 2023 and the Austin-Healey badge changed in 2025. The chrome work showed really well with the front grille a particular highlight. There were slight signs of age to the chrome on the driver side front light surround.

The convertible roof was showing in fair condition - the hood frame for the Austin-Healey was replaced in April 2023 at a cost of over ~£300.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

Interior

Pure vintage charm - simple, purposeful, with classic gauges and leather seats that capture the true spirit of open-top motoring.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished with blue leather and are in really nice condition. There were a few minor sign of age across the sections and some slight sagging to the finish, but nothing too bad.

Looking over the carpet sections, the mats showed to be in respectable condition although would benefit from a thorough clean over - looking underneath these, the main floor sections showed without concern. Checking over the boot, the simple layout showed no real issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

Clean and without fuss, the blue dash appears in nice shape with only minor marking to the facing. The top of the dash presents well and without splits or cracking to this section. The odometer showed with ~31,106 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appear to be in great condition, with surfaces free from fogging or major concerns; just some signs of patina.

We noted no issues with any warning lights and the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, water and oil temp gauges were all functioning without concern after taking the car out on the road.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wood rim Moto-Lita 3-spoke steering wheel shows in respectable condition with a few signs of age.

The gearstick which shows no major wear or damage, presenting in great condition along with its gaiter surround. The aftermarket centre-change gear stick is fitted with a Denis Welch overdrive switch.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

Mechanics

At the heart of the Austin-Healey lies a robust 2.9L inline-six, delivering strong torque and a distinctive growl that perfectly matches its sporting character.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine is fitted with a road racing camshaft designed to improve engine power and performance, especially at higher engine speeds. Starting the car up from cold noted the engine was a little lumpy in its operation but it drove without concern once warmed up and on the road with its manual gearbox transferring the power to the wheels nicely.

Tim, the current owner has replaced all the core plugs on the BT7 over his ownership after removing the engine. Whilst the engine was out, this gave Tim the opportunity to pressure wash all the waterways and paint it in the correct Healey Green.

The engine bay showed in good shape and looked tidy on our visit. The 3000 functions well and goes through the gears without any issue. We heard no signs of slipping or any other issues with the clutch.

We took the car on a short drive and go into further detail about the Austin-Healey, take a look at the mechanical review video to see the detail and the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

On the drive out around some local roads, we heard no unwanted knocks, bangs or noise from the suspension, it provided an enjoyable journey having had poly bushings fitted. Looking underneath the car, the condition shows well having had underbody protection applied in 2023.

The BT7 is fitted with front disc brakes. Throughout the journey out on the road, the brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when out in the car. These brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

Behind the wheel, the BT7 delivers exactly what you’d expect from a proper Healey - raw, responsive, and full of spirit. The throaty inline-six engine provides a smooth yet exhilarating ride, while the handling keeps you engaged with the road.

Tim, the current owner, tells us more about his driving experience with the BT7, "It drives superbly and the steering is really light for an older car. The engine pulls like a train and having all alloy wings, the car feels light and responsive on the road".

With its distinctive exhaust note under acceleration, it’s a car that constantly reminds you it’s built for driving enthusiasts who crave both performance and character. A true blend of power, precision, and classic motoring spirit.

Electrics and Other

As a 60s classic, the electrical setup is simple and straightforward. During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear in lovely condition.

The Healey is equipped with an in-cabin heater and Denis Welch overdrive function on the gear stick. Choice modifications have been upgraded to add an updated road racing camshaft, spin on modern oil filter and a modified alternator instead of a dynamo.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Tim told us everything was in working order.

History and Paperwork

The RHD home-market 3000, comes to market complete with its heritage certificate and covering under ~4,000 miles in the last ~8 years.

This example is ready for its next keeper after over ~2 years with the current owner. It comes with the heritage certificate and has some choice modifications and upgrades including an updated road racing camshaft, spin on modern oil filter, modified alternator instead of a dynamo, larger set of two inch carburettors, six branch manifold and has had poly bushes fitted.

A Denis Welch overdrive switch was also fitted to the aftermarket centre-change gear stick adding to the BT7's modifications.

The engine has been repainted to period correct Austin-Healey colours, a new overdrive solenoid installed and a side exhaust system has been fitted. Underbody protection was applied in 2023.

We cover the history of the Austin-Healey in our paperwork gallery, take a look through to see more behind the 3000.

The V5 states the registration date is 16.11.1982, this is believed to be due to the DVLA moving to new log books, the heritage certificate shows it us a UK home market car.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
19.05.2018 MOT 27,273
05.05.2017 MOT 27,265
05.04.2016 MOT 27,212
Key Details
  • Model3000 BT7
  • TransmissionManual
  • Despatched Date20.01.1960
  • UK Reg. Date on V516.11.1982
  • CC2,912
  • Mileage~31,106 on clock
  • ColourHealey Blue / Cream
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #HBT76281
  • Engine #29DRUH9273
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • Tyre BrandAvon and Hankook
  • Tyre Age2011 and 2019
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years, 5 months.
  • Key FeatureCondition and mileage
  • Vehicle Registration1433 BT
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeSports
  • Auction ID3095

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Harleston

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