Austin-Healey’s two-seater 3000 was the car of choice for sports car racers of the 1950s and 1960s. This is the model that Pat Moss, sister of Sir Stirling Moss, drove to an astounding overall victory in the brutal and legendary 1960 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally. Likewise, the Morley brothers, Don and Earl, scored an outright victory in the 1960 Alpine Rally in a 3000. Another factory team car finished 2nd in Class in the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring, where it was bested only by a Ferrari 250 California. This model is prized by collectors for its no-compromise two-seat design, as it lacks the family-car pretenses of the concurrent four-seat model. It is also cherished for its rareness, as only 2,825 of the 13,650 total Mark I production, just 20 percent, were two-seat models.

This Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I was built from 18–19 March 1959. A left-hand-drive example, it was destined for North America and left the factory finished in attractive Healey Blue over a Blue interior with matching convertible top. Factory equipment included wire wheels, heater, adjustable steering column, laminated windscreen, miles-per-hour speedometer, and “roadspeed” tires. The car was shipped to the U.S. on 23 April 1959 and delivered to Hambro Trading Inc., USA.

A charming example of the Austin-Healey Marque, this stunning Mark I has benefitted from a restoration by noted expert Tom Rocke of Healey Lane Restorations. The exterior was painted with two-stage urethane paint of black over ivory before being polished to a high-gloss finish. Inside, the Amblia-covered seats echo the exterior in black with ivory trim. Black wool carpets and a leather-covered dash, complete with rebuilt original gauges and a new steering wheel, ensure that both driver and passenger feel as comfortable as possible. Other upgrades included a new front windscreen and black tonneau cover. The mechanics were not ignored, either—the transmission and engine were rebuilt using all-new components and finished with a stainless-steel exhaust system. It should be noted that the engine number tag is missing from the block. Today that work has held up very nicely, having mellowed with age; the car’s undercarriage does depict signs of use but is otherwise in very nice condition. The car’s most recent owner resided in New York. Select service records from his ownership are included with the car along with the BMIHT certificate. In addition to a spare wheel housed in the trunk, the Austin-Healey includes a tool roll and knock-off hammer.

Considered by many to be one of the handsomest Austin-Healeys ever built, the Mark I holds a special place in the sports car world, a peppy British roadster, one that is as perfect for the street as it is at home on the track.

Please note that collection of this car will take place from Auburn, Indiana.