Updated over the original "Mark I", the new Austin Healey 3000 Mark II models were introduced in March of 1961 with only a few refinements. The front grill was redesigned from a mesh grill to sleeker vertical bars, but the most significant was the introduction of triple SU 1.5" HS4 carburetion to enhance performance! These special Austin Healey's were identified by BN7 (2-seater) and the BT7 (2+2), with production ending in June 1962, a short 15 months in length. Most of the finished Healeys were destined for export, with the USA being the primary consumer. It would represent the rarest of Austin Healey production with only 4,545 coming to the United States. Considering rates of survival, they are growing more and more challenging to find in original condition such as this one we have on offer.
We are especially delighted to offer this beautiful 1962 Austin Healey 3000 BT7 2+2 Roadster! Finished in factory correct Ivory White with Black interior trim and Black top, it was later highlighted during restoration with a lower body in Lobelia Blue for a gorgeous two-tone combination! Powered by its number's matching, original 2912cc Inline 6-cylinder engine (original 29E-H3867 tag present), correct triple SU HS4 carburetion, and 4-speed manual transmission with factory electronic overdrive. Other factory options included laminated windscreen, adjustable steering column, wire spoke wheels, Smiths heater, front badge bar, dual fender-mounted rearview mirrors, Lucas fog lamps, and road speed tyres!
One interesting point of note on this BT7 Roadster is that it was originally special ordered for Export Delivery. The first owner, Ray Michaels, a co-partner of a BMC dealership here in St. Louis, took personal delivery directly from the Donald Healey Motor Company in London! For this reason, the Heritage Trust Certificate noted an optional front numberplate not commonly found on USA-bound vehicles, as this would have been required for European road registration. According to a letter provided with this vehicle from a former owner, it is claimed Donald Healey himself personally drove the car from the Abington production facility to London as a thank you to Mr. Michaels for his distribution efforts back home. Mr. Michaels would spend his summer vacation touring this Austin Healey, before sending it back home to St. Louis.
It would sell in early 1963 with approximately 5,500 miles already on the odometer to Jerroy Frank, who would be the caretaker for the next 26 years. It would be driven sparingly through 1972 before being mostly garaged and started periodically. He would have the car professionally stripped and repainted in 1989 along with installing new Connally leather seating upholstery to freshen the car for resale. This process was photo documented in an album included with the sale. The next owner would be Curtiss Engler who purchased the car with 32,000 miles in June 1989. He would further commission a mechanical overall to the engine, brakes, and suspension with the aid of specialist, Keith Bester, in 1990. The Healey was treated to some Lemans racing styling at some point with a louvered hood and leather hood strap along with adding the lower two-tone color in blue, and Pace Setter tips for a throatier exhaust note.
This BT7 is very sharp from every angle, especially considering the age of the restoration! It was last owned by the former caretakers for 21 years! It does bare a few upgrades to make it a more serviceable car to drive and enjoy. This included 12-volt negative ground wiring, a screw-on oil filter adapter, upgraded 72-spoke chrome wire wheels with Vredstein Sprint Classis radial tires, and CompCams XLR700 ignition system. It also has a Panasonic AM/FM/Cassette radio and speaker under the dash. The original 48-spoke wire wheel and factory Road Speed tire with hold down, aluminum side windows, jack, engine crank, workshop manual, and battery cut-off are all located in the trunk.
The Mark II Tri-carbureted Healey is the rarest of the 3000-series production. Only 4,190 BT7 2+2's were produced through June 1962 making this one of the last examples ever made. This car dispatched in mid-May 1962 to the United States and will come with its British Heritage Certificate. Upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum in 2023, we completed a full comprehensive service to include new front brake calipers, stainless brake hoses, new rear brake cylinders, & fresh brake fluid throughout; new rear lever shocks; new SU fuel pump, filter, & rebuilt all three carburetors; all new engine side & valve cover gaskets; valve adjustment; fresh engine oil & coolant; thermostat housing gaskets; radiator hoses & drive belts; new spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, & plug wires; front suspension bushings & tie rod ends; 30W transmission oil; rear differential oil & gasket with pinion seal; and much more! All parts receipts will be provided to the next lucky owner! It runs wonderfully, and today shows just 49,341 miles on the odometer which are believed to be actual from new. Please call with any additional questions or to schedule a time to see this vehicle in person. Thanks for looking!
