Austin Healey 3000 Mk Ii 1961-1963
1962 – 1963 Austin Healey 3000 MKII (BN7, BT7 and BJ7)
The second series of the 3000 are also tremendously handsome cars. The 3000 MKII are a great choice for a first big Healey, delivering all of the qualities of the marque. Most were made as 2 + 2. The BN7 two-seater with 3 carburetors, of which only 355 were made is sought after by investors and commands a significant price premium.
Up until the introduction of the Mk2a (BJ7) in June of 1962, Austin Healey’s had a rudimentary windscreen and side screens. The convertible series BJ7, was viewed as a transition model for the later BJ8. Consider the BJ7 series car if you want better weather protection. Unlike a few years ago, the BJ7 no longer stands in the shadow of the later BJ8. Many people have actually started to prefer the traditional dashboard instead of the wooden dash.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
1961 - 1962 3000 Mk2, BN7 and BT7. Engine upgraded to 132 HP with triple SU carburetors, new grille with slats and revised bonnet intake.
1962 – 1963 3000 Mk2a BJ7. Revised windscreen, wind-up windows, convertible top, only available as 2+2, back to twin SU carburetors, 131 HP.
BN7, BT7 roadsters
Mark II
Engines fitted with three SU HS4 carburettors and an improved camshaft were announced at the end of May 1961. Other changes included a vertical barred front grille. Optional extras were similar to the Mark I. From August 1961 a brake servo was also available as an optional extra, which greatly improved braking performance.
Road test
A 3000 Mark II BT7 with hardtop and overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1961 had a top speed of 112.9 mph (181.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1362 including taxes.
Last true roadsters
The BN7 Mark II was discontinued in March 1962, and the BT7 Mark II in June 1962
BJ7 sports convertible
Mark II
The 3000 sports convertible Mark II was launched at the end of August 1962. It was a true convertible with almost saloon car comfort, a new wrap-around windscreen, wind-up side windows, swivelling quarter lights and a quick-action folding roof. Twin SU HS6 carburettors replaced the triple SUs. Austin-Healey claimed it could exceed 115 mph.
91.5 per cent of all 1963 Austin Healey 3000 cars were exported mostly to North America.
- 11,564 Mark IIs were made: 355 BN7 open two-seaters, 5,096 BT7 2+2s, and 6,113 BJ7 2+2 sports convertibles