It's quite possible that you would disagree with me when I say that the Austin-Healey 3000 is one of the most exquisitely designed cars of all time. "The rear end is too short," you could say, or, "it's like a British 1950s Corvette," or, "it looks like it's smiling at me." And you'd be right, on all three counts—especially the last, because the Austin-Healey 3000 is smiling at you. There's a good reason they're smiling—one of them just sold for $75k at one of the highest-profile auto auctions in the country—and that's why I'm talking about them today.
First, some background: the Austin-Healey 3000 roadster was built for around eight years in the early 1960s and was available as a four-seat (i.e., 2+2) roadster or a 2-seat roadster. All models came with a 3.0L inline-6 engine making between 120hp and 150hp and were fitted with four-speed overdrive transmissions. The 3000 was an evolution of the Austin-Healey 100-6 roadster, which looks quite similar to the 3000. Austin-Healey continued to produce the smaller Sprite roadster during and after 3000 production, but the marque was retired entirely in 1971.
Austin-Healey built around 11,000 four-seaters (chassis code BT7) and just under 3,000 two-seaters (code BN7). Some later models (the BJ7 and BJ8) were fitted with roll-down windows and an actual convertible top, whereas the early models only got a tonneau cover.
Collectability: Excellent. This is a fantastic car to invest in if you can afford the cover charge.
Here's why.
(+) It's gorgeous. There's really no discussion about this—it's a very very striking car. The two-tone models (red or light blue over cream) are among the best-looking vehicles ever made. Here's another shot.
(+) It's an old British roadster. For a group of people who spend most of the time in the fog, the Brits did an absolutely monumental job of delivering the world amazing sunny-weather roadsters during the 1960s. Cars like the Austin-Healey 3000, the Jaguar E-Type, and (to a lesser extent) the Triumph TR4 have all done a great job maintaining their value.
(+) It's a halo model. Admittedly, there were only two Austin-Healey models sold during the 3000 run: the 3000 and the Sprite. However, the 3000 was the top model, and this makes a difference.
(+) Parts aren't impossible to find. That doesn't mean they'll be easy to find, but parts for the comparatively popular 3000 are much easier to find than for older Austin-Healeys.
(+) Have I mentioned how good it looks? Seriously, people. What a great-looking car.
(-) The gold-rush has started. The Barrett-Jackson auction last week saw a 1962 3000 sell for $75,000, over twice the market value for these cars. I fully understand that one car doesn't stage the market for the rest, but I also know that a lot of people noticed the sale of that particular car. Expect prices to have jumped a good $5,000 per car already.
(-) 6-volt positive-ground electrics. For the love of God, why did they install these electrical systems on these cars? I go into further detail on 1960s British electrics in my article on the Triumph GT6+.
(-) You can't buy one if you're a mere mortal. You'll see why below.
Expect to pay: $35,000 for a good 3000.
What to look for:
- The BN7 two-seater sells for a premium over the BT7 four-seater. It's worth it if you can afford the extra $3,000–$5,000.
- Always always make sure the electrics are in good shape.
- If you're planning on driving this car in someplace like Seattle, the BJ7 or BJ8 models may be better choices than the older, less weatherproofed models.
- Don't be impressed by triple carbs fitted on later models—it's not worth a premium over the early twin carbs.
- Later models are better unless you know a great mechanic.
The blue one is pretty.