The ‘Big Healey’ is a charismatic British bulldog of a car. A good-looking, rally-proven weapon that remains a giant-killer on the historic racing and rallying circuits. 

But, unless you are a paid-up Austin-Healey aficionado, Healeys tend to be strangely overlooked in the wider classic car scene. They seem to be somehow stuck in a Jaguar/MG sandwich, with more enthusiasts opting for Jaguars or the plentiful and more affordable MGs. Around 90% of Big Healeys were exported to America, with only 5000 cars throughout the 14-year production period staying in Britain. So scarcity plays a part, although many have subsequently returned to the UK. Also, most Healeys, up until the introduction of the 3000 Mk2a, had only a rudimentary windscreen and sidescreens. 

When Healey 3000s began to return to Britain from the States they were usually tired and most were cost-effectively rebuilt to rally specification, tuned for action rather than real-world motoring. That’s why the last 3000 model, the BJ8  Mk3, with its more comfortable trim, wind-up windows and proper hood, has long been the most popular choice with drivers rather than racers. But, as always, things evolve and now there is more to it…

Austin-Healey 3000 prices have been creeping up as drivers realise there is rarely a ‘cheap’ option. Prices used to range from £18-£30k but now decent Big Healeys cost from £28,000, with very good examples fetching £50,000+. ‘Give me 15 months and £70k and I will build you a brand-new car to your specification,’ says specialist Steve Norton. Otherwise he reckons the sleeper is the two-seater (BN7) roadster 3000 Mk1. Expect to pay £30k+ for a good one. The more refined Mk3s are now valued at £40,000-£50,000 or you could opt for a less-expensive 100/6 (not covered here) for around £18,000 and have it improved to 3000 spec. 

‘These days most people want a car that is fast, great to drive but also relatively civilised and refined and good enough for a passenger to enjoy – especially a fragrant one,’ says Steve Norton of specialist Cape International. ‘Old Healeys can be coarse, loose and downright horrid to drive. 

‘Beware bad bodywork because it consists of many compound curves and that swage line takes many man hours to get right. There are a whole host of complicated inner panels that will need replacing as well as the inevitable door posts. When we do a rebuild we double-skin the firewall, for example, which, along with heat shielding, reduces noise and heat soak enormously.

‘Adding telescopic dampers to the rear suspension makes a huge difference to the ride and handling, as does our uprated Panhard rod, a must when running grippier radial tyres. At the front we have adjustable shock absorber mounts and other tweaks, which allow for negative camber and decent set-up to counter understeer. Steering boxes are usually very worn – we have new replacements which make the cars obedient.’

With the engine, Steve advises guaranteeing the cooling with an improved radiator whilst fitting an alternator and electronic ignition for reliability. These lusty straight-six motors are all about easy torque. ‘We can build you a 185bhp engine but for road use an honest 150bhp is much more cost effective and much more usable.’

Big Healeys are tough, charismatic and simple sports cars of the old school. Typically, when worn out or badly restored or set-up they are unpleasant and crude. But drivers now realise that careful restoration with sensible improvements can transform these cars into effective roadsters that handle, brake, ride and perform with the best of them. The specialists now fully understand all the weaknesses, and good replacement parts have been remade to bring these straightforward cars up to the mark. 

Over the years many surviving Mk3s have been brought back to the UK and restored, so now earlier Mk1 and Mk2 cars are coming into focus, available for less money. In an ideal world you should find a good Mk1 donor car and modify it to your requirements. It will not be noisy, smelly or loose but rather a British Bulldog that most passengers will enjoy almost as much as you, the fast-travelling driver.