1960 Austin Healey 3000

Convertible

6 Cylinder

Manual

HBT7L8739

Clear

Gasoline

Bavarian Motors 713-320-3059 1960 Austin Healey 3000 - The Ultimate British Roadster! 1960 Austin Healey 3000 - The Ultimate British Roadster! Red / Black121,000 Miles / VIN: HBT7L8739 Contact Mark Counts at Bavarian Motors at 713-320-3059 8561 Rayson Road, Ste. C Houston, TX 77380 View This Seller's Other Auctions 1960 Austin Healey 3000 - The Ultimate British Roadster! Red Exterior / Black Interior VIN: HBT7L8739 2 Doors, Rear Wheel Drive, Convertible, 6 Cylinders, Manual Inventory ID: 7L8739 Vehicle Description In the pantheon of small British Roadsters, one car has always been far, far ahead of the pack. That car is the Austin Healey 3000. The car traces its roods to the ambition (and capital) of Donald Healey and the engineering genius of Gerry Coker. In 1951, Donald Healey found himself at the head of a tiny car company based in Warwick, England. This company - the Donald Healey Motor Company ("DHMC") - built four basic models of "sporty" but expensive cars. In fact, some DHMC cars were more expensive than the Jaguar XK-120. After a visit to the United States, Healey came up with the idea to build a "mid-market" sports car (a car that would be less expensive than a Jaguar but more expensive than an MG). Healey took his idea to the chairman of Austin, Leonard Lord. Lord had recently attempted to push the Austin A90 into the American market and had suffered a stunning defeat as Americans rejected both the brand and the car. Despite the setback, Lord understood the economic power of America and he liked the idea of a sports car with an Austin powertrain. Thus, the Austin Healey brand was born. Gerry Coker was assigned the duty of designing the sheet metal for the first "Big 6" - the "Healey Hundred" - which was completed in 1952. The 100 was instantly praised for its impressive looks and performance and it remained in production for the next six years. In 1959, Austin Healey introduced the 3000, which maintained the wheelbase and body of the 100-6 (with slight modifications). The Mark I 3000, had a 2912 cc, I6 engine fueled by twin SU carburetors. According to contemporaneous testing, the engine was capable of generating a top speed of 115 mph and could go from 0-60 in 11.7 seconds. The car had as options: wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, two tone paint and a hardtop. Needless to say, the 3000 captured the hearts and wallets of American and European drivers. It was widely praised for both its looks and performance. The 3000 remained in continuous production for eight years (from 1959 to 1967) and two more "Marks" were developed. Owing to emission requirements, the car was retired after the 1967 production year. After admiring Austin Healeys for roughly forty seven years, I made the decision to purchase one. I assumed that I would be impressed with its "Big 6" performance and underwhelmed by its British amenities. However, upon seeing the actual car (and yes, I bought this car without ever having seen or driven an actual 3000), I immediately noticed that unlike other British roadsters I have owned, e.g., MG TD, MG B, MG A and TR6 all of which tend to be a bit Spartan, the Austin Healey 3000 is immaculately detailed. If I had to chose a single word to describe its fit and finish then I would use the word "bespoke." I choose this word because of its English connotation and for the further reason that the car seems to be tailored like a custom suit. In example, the tops of the doors are trimmed in polished aluminum as are the door seals and posts. In further example, the tonneau is not simply a piece of canvas stretched from from anchor point to anchor point. Rather, it is fitted with ribs which give it form and shape. The tonneau also has a nice "outset" to accommodate the steering wheel. In the same fashion, the seats are of real leather (not BMC pleather), the steering wheel and shifter knob are real wood, the windshield is highly polished, the carpets are wool, and etc., etc., etc. There are probably fifteen other items which I could list showing the level of attention to detail given to this car. However, I will let the pictures below speak for themselves. Originally, the engine in the 3000 was mated to a 4 speed transmission with an optional electronic overdrive. In the case of this particular car, the original, electronic overdrive equipped transmission has been removed (it remains "with" the vehicle and will accompany the vehicles sale), and in order to achieve a more efficient gear ratio, the original transmission was replaced with a more reliable Japanese 5 speed. The "Smittys" kit used to perform this replacement cost over $2,000 (excluding labor), and the results are simply remarkable as the car can now "cruise" at 80-90 miles per hour (without incessant transmission whine and with lots of extra RPMs available). This replacement is the only known, non-stock component in the car (radio, Optima battery and battery cut off switch excluded) and, in my opinion, it greatly enhances the performance (and value) of the car. It also appreciably increases speed, lowers weight and improves fuel economy. The pictures of the car accurately reflect the condition of its paint (good), interior appointments (almost perfect), top (minor imperfections), tonneau (almost perfect), carpet (almost perfect), tires (good), rims (almost perfect) and chrome (good). The pictures also show that the car is rust free, that the body panels fit nicely (not perfect but nice) and that the car is not not leaking copious amounts of oil. After obtaining the car, I adjusted the valves, replaced the fuel filter, removed the gas tank and had it professionally lined with RENU (a rust inhibiting coating) and replaced the passenger side, rear axle seal. The pictures cannot show the mechanical operation of the car but I have personally driven this car over 90 miles and can attest that it is in exemplary running and driving condition. In that vein, all the lights work and nothing to my knowledge is inoperative. In saying this, I further attest that the car does not overheat and has no known mechanical defects, e.g., brakes work, clutch is good, starts, stops, runs, drives, has lights, etc., etc. Obviously, I encourage you to have an independent pre-purchase inspection performed. Alternatively, if you buy the car at the "buy it now" price, I will give you a "buy it back" guarantee (at no cost) which warrants that the car is free from mechanical defect. Please call me for details on this guarantee. In regard to value, Hagertys valuation guide states that as of August 2015, a 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 "Condition 2" car is valued at $61,000, while a "Condition 3" car is valued at $36,200. I personally believe that this car is closer to a Condition 2 car than a Condition 3 and have priced the car accordingly. However, as "condition" is a subjective undertaking, I am open to negotiation on the purchase price. Obviously, I will not "give the car away" so please do not undervalue the asset under consideration. In closing, you are looking at an extremely nice British roadster. It has stunning good looks, admirable performance and will make a very good investment. If you are interested in adding this car to your collection then please contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059. Great color combination! Brilliant paint! Immaculate Interior! Leather seats! Excellent mechanicals!! Wire wheels! Virtually new tires! Great chrome! 5 speed transmission! Fast, sexy and reliable! Additional Photos Finance Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars. Warranty Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty. However, some of our cars come with the full manufacturers warranty and some are eligible for extended warranties. Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative. Shipping Unless stated otherwise in the vehicles listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them. If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper. Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions All vehicles I sell have clean and clear titles. I do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles. All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale. The winning bidder must contact me within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction. The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashiers check) to start the transaction. It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection. I strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections. These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase. All sales are subject to a state inspection fee and a Vehicle Inventory Tax imposed on the dealership by State law. All sales are subject to a $199 dealer service fee and a $99 document fee. Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee. Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyers home state registration. The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. I will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyers responsibility. I make every attempt to deliver vehicles to clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and I cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle. For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest way to complete the sale. If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada". Notice to All Bidders Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle! All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing. The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax. Major Credit Cards are accepted. Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee). Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits. I do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding. Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059. I appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!