Introduced in 1959, the British Motor Company launched the Austin-Healey 3000, which would quickly become the marque’s defining model. Fitted with a 2,912–cubic centimeter motor rated at 124 horsepower, it was the most powerful “Big Healey,” and BMC was eager to prove their newest model’s worth in the crucible of motorsport.

The new Austin Healey quickly proved to do just that. Pat Moss, sister of Sir Stirling Moss, piloted the new 3000 to first place overall at the 1960 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally and the Coupe des Dames at the Geneva rally that same year. Don and Earl Morley won the 1960 Alpine Rally outright in a 3000 as well. Most impressively, a factory-entered 3000 finished second in class at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring, with 1st place going to a Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider. Success at the track quickly translated into success in the showroom, and the new 3000 helped to establish the Austin-Healey name in the burgeoning sports car industry worldwide.

Restored in 2009 to concours standards by the marque specialists at Kurt Tanner Restorations, this particular Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I BN7 was Mr. Tanner’s personal car and was later purchased by its current owner. Since its completion, the car’s impeccable restoration has been very well preserved, having only been driven 217 miles since the restoration at the time of cataloguing. The car’s file includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate as well as photographs of its restoration. Finished in the highly attractive color scheme of Opalescent Silver Grey over a Red leather interior, the Austin-Healey presents incredibly well.

Of the two-seater BN7 model, only 10,785 examples were produced for the 1960 model year, and 2,825 Mk I BN7s were built from 1959 to 1961. Much more desirable than their four-seater siblings, the two-seater 3000 Mk I BN7s were the definitive British sports cars of the era, just as exciting to drive on the track as they were on a winding countryside road. Considered by many to be one of the prettiest Austin-Healeys ever built, the 3000 Mk I BN7 has always been well regarded in enthusiast circles as an excellent motor car in every right. This particular example is beautifully presented and, with only 217 miles driven since its restoration, would make an excellent driver or show car.