Austin Healey
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 Austin Healey

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AUSTIN HEALEY
Born of a partnership between Donald Healey and the Austin car company, the career of the "Big Healey" (as opposed to the small Austin Healey Sprite) lasted 15 years. The first version : 100 / 4 (100 for the 100 MpH top speed and 4 for the number of cylinders) entered Le Mans 24 hours race and forged the brand's reputation.




From uncomfortable sportscars to more civilized tourers, the Austin Healeys were offered in 6 main series and 3 different bodies :

- Austin-Healey 100 / 4 (BN1 and BN2) from 1953 to 1956 including 100M ("Le Mans" kit) and the rare 100S (55 cars prepared by the factory). Two-seater roadster only. This model is characterized by its adjustable tilting windshield.
- Austin Healey 100/6 (BN4 and BN6) from 1955 to 1959. Two-seater roadster or 2 +2.
- Austin Healey 3000 Mark 1 and Mk 2 (BN7 or BT7) from 1959 to 1962. Two-seater roadster or 2 +2.
- Austin Healey 3000 MkII (BJ7) 1962 and 1963. New 2+2 convertible bodywork to replace roadsters.
- Austin Healey 300 MkIII (BJ8) "phase 1" from 1963 to 1964.  2+2 convertible.
- Austin Healey 300 MkIII (BJ8) "phase 2" from 1964 to 1968. Available in 2+2 drophead coupe only.

AUSTIN HEALEY TECHNICAL FACTS
Version Engine Power Transmission Length Weight Max speed
100/4
Roadster
(1953-1956)		 Straight 4 Cyl.
2660 cc
twin SU H4 carburettors - 90 hp  3 speed manual gearbox (BN1) or 4 speed  (BN2) - overdrive fitted as standard. 385 cm 975 kg
 172 kph
100/6 (BN6)
Roadster
(1958 -1959)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2639 cc 
twin SU HD6 carburettors - 117 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional  		400 cm 1070 kg 179 kph
100/6 (BN4)
2+2 Roadster 
(1956 -1959)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2639 cc 
twin SU H4 carburettors - 102 hp
 or
twin SU HD6 carburettors - 117 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional 		400 cm 1060 kg 165 kph
3000 MkI (BN7)
Roadster
(1959 -1961)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
twin SU HD6 carburettors - 124 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1080 kg 181 kph
3000 MkI (BT7)
2+2 Roadster 
(1959 -1961)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
twin SU HD6 carburettors - 124 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1080 kg 181 kph
3000 MkII (BN7)
Roadster
(1961 -1962)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
three SU HS4 carburettors - 132 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1080 kg 186 kph
3000 MkII (BT7)
2+2 Roadster 
(1961 -1962)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
three SU HS4 carburettors- 132 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1080 kg 186 kph
3000 MkII (BJ7)
(1959 -1961)
2+2 Convertible		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
twin SU HD6 carburettors - 131 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1120 kg 186 kph
3000 MkIII phase 1 (BJ8) & phase 2 (BJ9) 2+2 convertible
(1959 -1961)		 Straight 6 Cyl.
2912 cc
twin SU HD8 carburettors - 148 hp
 4 speed manual gearbox
overdrive optional		 400 cm 1110 kg (phase 1) or 1130 kg (phase 2) 196 kph




BN1 ? BT7 ? WHAT DO THESE CODES MEAN ?



These are the chassis number prefixes. For each version, the prefix generally corresponds to the body type. As carburettors type and number continuously changed from a version to another, good knowledge of these codes allow you to understand and read faster classifieds published in the press or on the Internet. This help help you to identify accurately a car If you are looking for an Austin Healey. 
WHERE CAN I FIND AN AUSTIN HEALEY FOR SALE ?

You can find Austin Healeys for sale every month or every week in the specialized publications. There are plenty of classic cars classifieds sites on the Internet. Do not rush to buy the first car you see (the ads may be re-submited on a regular basis when prices are too high). See and test drive several vehicles, which will allow you to ensure that you are made for this model. Alternatively, you can hire an Austin-Healey from a classic car rental company. To buy from classic car specialists may be good way to reduce purchase risks.
Even if they were produced in smaller number (and rather more expensive) than other british sports roadsters, Austin Healeys are not (yet?) rare. There are still many cars on the road and all classic cars resellers offer specimens to sell regularly.		 Austin Healey 100/4

HOW TO SOURCE SPARE PARTS ?

Spare parts availability is the undeniable advantage of British classic cars : almost everything is available at affordable price

The large number of cars still on road today helps to maintain a dynamic market, where customers demand drives spare parts production and competition between spare parts retailers  keep rates at reasonnable levels.
Anglo-parts-Austin-Healey-Body-Panels

Dozens of spare parts retailers sell from their web-shops. Spare parts catalogs and price lists may be downloaded directly from Internet.
There are many classic car parts retailers in North America and in Europe. In most cases the spare part you will look for will be immediatly available.

Major classic car parts companies are Anglo Parts, Limora, Moss Motors, Moss Europe, Motor Dream, ...
Anglo Parts Austin Healey pdf parts catalogue

HOW TO GET FURTHER INFORMATION ?

Meet Austin Healey owners. As many enthusiasts, they will be happy to share their experience with you, and give an objective opinion on their cars. Visit autojumbles, classic car events  or contact Austin Healey or other classic cars owners clubs.

Helpful books can be found on the car's history, you will find on this site selected and recommended publications.


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USEFUL LINKS


original Austin-Healey100,100 six and 3000 by Anders Ditlev Clausager


austin healey 100 100-6 and 3000 restoration guide


austin healey owner's handbook

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