British sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s possess an innate elegance often absent in similar vehicles from other nations. That is particularly true of the Austin-Healey 3000, and this 1961 BN7 is almost a rolling work of art. Its presentation is stunning, and the winning bidder won’t need to spend a dime on this gem beyond the purchase price. They can look forward to slipping behind the wheel and hitting the road for some classic wind-in-the-hair motoring pleasure. Its owner has been an avid collector for over fifty years but has reached the point where parting with his collection is essential due to his age. Therefore, he has listed the Healey exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
I’ve always felt that certain paint shades should grace the panels of cars like this Healey. British Racing Green is an obvious choice, but the Colorado Red this car wears is another. The owner indicates that the vehicle underwent a repaint in this color, which is correct as per the Heritage Certificate, using a urethane undercoat and a single-stage top coat. He elected to skip the idea of applying clear since the aim was to achieve a “factory” appearance. He succeeded in his quest, and it presents nicely. There are no signs of chips or other defects, and the original steel panels are as straight as an arrow. The trunk lid sits up slightly as a new and thicker seal has been installed, but the remaining panel gaps are very nice. The beauty is more than skin deep because the comprehensive photos in the gallery below this article reveal the floors and frame to be original and rust-free. The Black soft-top is correct, with the original bows supporting a Robbins vinyl top with new webbing. The side curtains are spotless and correct for this car, and it is unclear whether they are OEM items or the original components. The original owner ordered the car with beautiful optional wire wheels that are as nice as the rest of the exterior, while the bumpers recently returned after a trip to the platers for a refresh. The trunk didn’t escape the seller’s attention. The floor is rust-free, with the car recently receiving a new baseboard and an Armachord lining kit.
Lifting the hood reveals this Healey’s numbers-matching 2,912cc C-Series six that sends 130hp and 175 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a manual transmission with the optional Overdrive. The figures may sound modest, but they are sufficient to send the low-slung classic to a top speed of 114mph. These cars are deceptive because the proximity between the occupants and Planet Earth makes them feel significantly faster. However, outright speed is not the primary focus. The low center of gravity ensures limpet-like road-holding. These cars come to life and offer an engaging and rewarding driving experience on a twisting ribbon or tarmac. The news with this Healey is positive, with the car in excellent mechanical health. The seller believes the original owner may have treated the engine and transmission to a rebuild, but this isn’t entirely certain. The overdrive unit was stubborn, so its owner rebuilt it with all new components and seals. It also features a new correct fuel tank, a heavy-duty clutch with new master and slave cylinders, and a long list of new brake components. He feels the exhaust may be original, allowing this classic to sound like a Healey should. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
Isolating a single aspect of this Healey with the “wow” factor is impossible, but that honor could fall to its interior. It is impossible to hide a sub-standard interior in a car of this type unless the owner keeps the top raised. Doing so defeats the purpose of owning a convertible, meaning many owners do their utmost to ensure a high presentation level. The owner recently installed a new Moss vinyl trim kit in the correct shade of Red. It looks beautiful, with no signs of wear or other damage. The dash and gauges are very clean, and the “banjo” wheel is free from the typical cracking issues. This interior would cause the winning bidder no shame and should receive favorable comments on the show circuit or at a Cars & Coffee. It isn’t merely about good looks because every piece of equipment, light, and gauge functions as it should.
While not perfect, this Big Healey presents beautifully inside and out. What impresses me the most is the owner’s decision to recapture its original appearance rather than opting for paint and trim that is not as the car’s creators intended. If you have never driven one of these classics, you have missed out on one of the motoring world’s greatest pleasures. However, don’t just take my word for it. Why not submit an offer so it may find its way into your garage? You never know, but today could be your lucky day.
- Location: Canton, Georgia
- Mileage: 44,462 Miles
- Engine: 3.0-Liter 6-Cylinder
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual + Overdrive
- VIN: HBN7L12549
- Title Status: Clean
Seems like a good price for a really lovely car. Love the colour.
If I had the dough I would be all over it.
Beautiful big Healey…great paint job…stayed away from the modern base coat top coat paint.
I also love the color- my first thought was resale red, which I hate, but there is a subtle difference here that made me give it a second look. I too am second guessing some of my life’s financial choices that will keep me in the grandstands on this one lol
Scott, I believe the other name for this color is called “Arrest Me Red”, then shortly that after the name changes to your “Resale Red”.😂😂
Regardless…. It is an awesome Big Healy. And at a fair price considering it’s apparent condition!!
Gorgeous 😍
This car is cherry and every day will become more valuable. Great idea on urethane paint application, original was lacquer and a little less forgiving. I had a ’59 100-6 BN6 and loved that the car hung below the rear axel. This gave the feel of launching forward rather than lifting the front. A very special automobile.
Owned two ’55 100s, first one red and the second one silver grey. Fun cars but these days you can’t just go out and buy one unless your bank account is pretty full. I paid $500 each for mine.
Hi Bob. I also have owned a few of these from a 100-6 to a 3000 MK III and the Mark III was my favorite but they all have a similar feel to them. If you are not familiar with what one looks like on the road there is a music video from the group TEARS FOR FEARS in the song EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD that has a Mark III shown in day to day driving.
These are shockingly good cars for around town work. Enough torque to get out of the way and being both small narrow and nimble they can park almost anywhere. I can assure you that a weeks groceries will fit in the trunk and passengers department that will feed a family of six.
What most will not realize is that with the side curtains in the tonneau cover installed over the passengers side you can drive this car with the top down in near freezing weather without any problem. The heater is excellent and you have the added heat of the exhaust pipes that warm your feet and the transmission that also adds heat and with that gear in place you get a toasty warm place to sit as the world goes by. Summer is a different thing entirely. It has been said you can melt tennis shoes on the floor of one of these things. I can attest that if you are driving one without the carpet installed that is an actual fact. Now it was a 100°+ degree day and a long trip but I did melt my shoes on my 100-6 and my MK II 3000. That wind and lack of top was the only thing keeping me from melting.
These are one of the very few cars I truly regret selling. From the 100-6 to the Mark III each one is slightly different but still lots of fun. I had to sell mine due to college costs. Of note this car is one of the very few that has almost no adjustments for fit. NO MATTER which one you are looking to purchase make certain you look at the frame. IT ONLY FITS ONE WAY and getting one that. has been hit to fit right is a huge task. Also of note the center section of the body around the grille and trunk lid is aluminum and is much softer than you might think.
For those that think an LS engine would fit. It might but this car will make you understand that Horsepower sells engines but torque wins races. Given the light weight of the body this car has more around town performance than you might think. To the purchaser please understand what you have purchased and on early fall mornings take it out and enjoy nature floating by, the soft purrr of the exhaust and just enjoy.
Final note The seats are bolt upright but if you take the seats out from the sliders you can put in an aluminum spacer block to get a little bit of rake to the seats which will make them much more comfortable. This is especially true for long trips. Drill a hole as required and a much longer bolt and you are as good as new.
Beautiful car. I love it!
How difficult could it be to use a wider wooden block before you apply the jack? Look at the front crossmember, bent and split open. Also rear rubber pump stops missing, frame kinked du to inpact of axle. But still one of the better ones, but jacking up these beauties like on the pic´s it´s a no go!
Tyroljag!