Austin-Healey 3000 MkI

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Big, butch and beautiful, the Austin-Healey 3000 is to many the quintessential classic British sportscar. Launched in March 1959, it quickly earned a reputation as a formidable rally machine, thundering to spectacular success on many international events of the 1960s. A development of the already successful 100/6, it used a simple but torsionally strong ladder frame chassis with Austin A90 independent coil spring/wishbone front suspension and a live leaf sprung rear axle located by Panhard rod.

It was fitted with the more powerful 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine which produced 124bhp and 167lb/ft of torque. Mated to a four-speed gearbox with optional overdrive, this endowed the car with a top speed of almost 120mph and a 0-60 time of just 11.4 seconds. Other improvements included front disc brakes and a choice of either two-seater (BN7) or 2+2 (BT7) body styles. The 3000 MkI remained in production until the arrival of the MkII in 1961.

Dating from the first year of production, this 1959 example spent the first 30 years of its life in the dry climate of Southern California before being returned to the UK in 1990 and converted to right-hand drive. Finished in Old English White over Burgundy with Burgundy leather upholstery, it is described by the vendor as being in good order with regard to its engine, four-speed manual overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. He states that "the panel fit is particularly good as is the condition of the underside which shows no signs of any damage."

Believed but not warranted to have covered around 62,000 miles from new, the Healey has been fitted with a later type centre-change gearbox – a most sought-after upgrade. The perfect classic to be seen cruising around in this summer, it comes with an MOT until February 2011.