Buyer’s Guide — Austin Healey 3000
What to know before buying an Austin Healey 3000.
Overview
The Austin Healey 3000 was produced from 1959 to 1967 in three marks: Mk I (BN7/BT7), Mk II (BN7/BT7/BJ7), and Mk III (BJ8). Approximately 42,900 were built across all variants. The 2,912 cc six-cylinder engine produced between 124 and 150 bhp depending on the mark. The 3000 is the most desirable and numerous of the big Healeys, with the Phase 2 Mk III BJ8 being the most refined.
Model Variants
| Mk I BN7 (1959–61) | Two-seater, triple carbs, 124 bhp |
| Mk I BT7 (1959–61) | 2+2 seater, triple carbs, 124 bhp |
| Mk II BN7 (1961–62) | Two-seater, triple carbs, 132 bhp |
| Mk II BT7 (1961–62) | 2+2 seater, triple carbs, 132 bhp |
| Mk II BJ7 (1962–64) | 2+2 seater, twin carbs, 132 bhp, roll-up windows, wrap-around windscreen |
| Mk III BJ8 (1964–67) | 2+2 seater, twin carbs, 150 bhp, most refined |
What to Look For — Body & Chassis
| Chassis | The box-section chassis rots in the usual places — front crossmember, rear spring hangers, and outriggers. A thorough underbody inspection is essential. |
| Inner Wings | Trap mud and moisture. Check for perforation and signs of repair. |
| Sills | Double-skinned sills rot from inside. Tap along the full length and check jacking points. |
| Rear Wheel Arches | Common rust area. Look for bubbling paint and filler. |
| Floors | Rot from below — lift carpets to inspect from above, and check from underneath. |
| Boot Floor | Water collects here. Check around the spare wheel well. |
What to Look For — Mechanical
| Engine | The 2.9L six should produce 40+ psi oil pressure when driving. Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start and bottom-end rumble at idle. Blue smoke on overrun means valve guide wear. |
| Gearbox | Four-speed with overdrive. Second gear synchros wear first. The gearbox should shift cleanly without crunching. |
| Overdrive | Essential — test at speed. Should engage and disengage cleanly. Rebuild is expensive. |
| Brakes | Front discs, rear drums from Mk I. Should stop straight with good pedal feel. Check discs for scoring and pad wear. |
| Steering | Cam-and-peg. Some free play is normal but excessive looseness means a worn box. Check king pins. |
| Cooling | The 3000 runs hot in traffic. An upgraded aluminium radiator and electric fan is a common and worthwhile modification. |
Parts Availability
Excellent — the 3000 is the best-supported big Healey. Moss Motors, Denis Welch, British Parts Northwest, and numerous specialists carry comprehensive stocks. Almost everything is available as reproduction including body panels, mechanical components, trim, and rubber parts.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
A well-sorted 3000 is a fast, engaging sports car with real presence. The engine should pull hard with a wonderful exhaust note. The gearbox should be precise and overdrive should click in cleanly for relaxed cruising. Steering is heavy at low speed but lightens up on the move. The ride is firm but controlled. A BJ8 with its improved ground clearance and servo-assisted brakes is the most comfortable for regular use.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| Project / Needs Restoration | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Good Driver | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Excellent / Restored | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Concours / Show Quality | $180,000 – $250,000+ |
| BN7 Two-Seater | Premium of 20–40% over equivalent BT7/BJ7 |
BJ8 Phase 2 models are the most sought-after for driving. Early BN7 two-seaters are rare and command top prices. Documented rally history adds significant value.