1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Registration no. PMB 261B Chassis

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII
Registration no. PMB 261B
Chassis no. HBJ827964
Engine no. 29KRUH2674
Launched at the New York Motor Show in March 1959, the Austin-Healey 3000
retained the muscular good looks of its 100/6 predecessor while providing a useful
increase in performance thanks to a larger-capacity version of the long-established
C-Series engine. Over-bored to 2,912cc the latter produced 124bhp, good enough
for a top speed of 114mph with the optional hardtop in place. Otherwise, the car was
much as before, though Girling front disc brakes were a welcome improvement.
Introduced in 1961, the MkII in Convertible form brought improved practicality
courtesy of a fixed foldaway top and winding windows. From now until the end of
production the only 3000 model available would be the 2+2, the less popular twoseat version having been dropped.
The 3000 MkIII with 148bhp engine appeared early in 1964, to be followed later in
the year by the Phase II version with revised rear suspension. Top speed was now
121mph and the 0-60mph time dipped below 10 seconds. Despite the antiquity of
the basic design, the Big Healey remained as popular as ever, though increasingly
stringent safety and emissions legislation meant that its days were numbered.
Representing the Big Healey's final, most popular incarnation, this example comes
with BMIHT Certificate stating that it was originally finished in Ivory White with red
trim and black hood, and was despatched via Evans & Kitchen Ltd, Birmingham on
13th July 1964 equipped with wire wheels, overdrive, heater and adjustable steering
column. The car had full restoration in the early 1990s by Classic Cars (Lilley) of Great
Offley, Hertfordshire.