Austin Healey - Austin Healey 3000
The 3 litre Austin-Healey 3000 replaced the earlier 2.6 litre six cylinder Austin-Healey in June of 1959. It was fitted with the larger version of the BMC C series engine that was also used in both the Austin and Wolseley 99. These 3 litre Healeys (known as the BN7 or the 2+2 BT7) were fitted with front wheel disc brakes as standard on what is today known as the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk1, although in period it was just called the Austin-Healey 3000. For 1962 these BN7 and 2+2 BT7 cars had an increase in power by the fitment of triple carburettors for the Austin-Healey Mk2 sports convertible.
The next development was the BJ7, or Austin-Healey 3000 Mk2 from late 1962, which now had wind up windows in the doors and a folding roof, but with an engine back to the 2 carburettor set up, yet with little difference in power output. For 1964 the 2+2 BJ8 Austin Healey 3000Mk3 had further comforts along with a walnut facia to the dashboard, but the engine was now improved with larger carburettors and a higher lift camshaft, taking the power from 130 bhp to 150 bhp. Production ceased in 1968, while BMC were hopeful that the Healey 3000 mantle would be replaced with their more modern MG C, but things did not work out quite as planned for BMC in this regard.
The Austin Healey 3000 Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 original tyre fitment was 5.90x15 which is radial equivalent 165R15 . Blockley produce this 165VR15 tyre, with period correct tread pattern which has a steel belted construction and high speed rate. But we have supplied many customers with the wider (but same diameter) 185/70VR15 tyre size . And we have also supplied customers have also requested full 80 profile taller 185VR15, which can also be referred to as a 185/80R15, but we think this looks a little too large on the cars. See full details below:
