First introduced to the public at the London Motor Show at Earls Court in October 1952, the “Big Healy” was known then as the “Healy Hundred.” The car was based on standard Austin Saloon components with handsome styling. Initially offered with four-cylinder power, a 2.6-liter six-cylinder variant known as the 100-6 or BN6 was offered in 1956, also providing more interior space than previous models.

The 3000 variant was announced on 1 July 1959, featuring an enlarged 3-liter version of the BMC C-Series engine along with disc brakes for the front wheels. Two versions of the 3000 Mk I were offered: The two-seater BN7 and the 2+2 BT7. The car offered here is of 2,825 Mk I BN7 open two-seaters.

According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this BN7 was built 31 May–1 June 1960 and dispatched to North America on 9 June of that same year. Finished in a classic combination of Healey Blue and Old English White over a blue leather interior with white piping, it is highlighted by an uncommon factory hardtop rarely seen on vintage Healeys. In addition to wire wheels, this car is also equipped with a four-speed manual transmission with highly desirable Laycock de Normanville overdrive.

The car was reportedly fully restored by Ray Kennett of BTO Auto Works, New York, in 2010. (During this restoration, a reproduction cowl tag was fitted; the original accompanies the sale.) That same year, it was shown at the British Invasion XX receiving best in class honors. One year later, it received a Gold Award by the Austin-Healey Concours Registry, scoring 968 out of 1000 points.

Its subsequent owner drove the car on the Colorado Grand in 2013 and the Copperstate 1000 in 2014, proving its mettle as a tour vehicle. This well-sorted Austin-Healey would no doubt provide its next owner with many more miles of enjoyment.