3000 MKI Technical Specs

The Big Healey – Technical Specs

This Healey is perhaps the best-known Healey – the “Three Thousand.” Like the 100-6, it came in two variants: the BT7 Series (10,825 built) which was the four-seater, and the BN7 Series (2,825 built) which was the two-seater. Made from 1959 to 1961, this model represents the heyday of Austin-Healeys when they were being driven to impressive victories and class wins on the European road rally circuit and generally grabbing the attention and imagination of sports car enthusiasts worldwide.

Car Number Nomenclature

The 3000 – also sometimes called “Mark I” to differentiate it from the later 3000 Mark II and 3000 Mark III models that followed it – had a larger, improved engine from that of its 100-6 predecessor. Capacity was upped to 2912 cc where it remained for the rest of big Healey production. Additionally, the front brakes were changed from drum type to disks, another change that remained for the rest of big Healey production. However, in appearance the 3000 is indistinguishable from the 100-6, save for the badges and the lack of a crease in the bonnet. 

The Autocar magazine published purchase specifications and performance data for the first 3000 model in its August 28, 1959 issue. The list of options was short!

PRICE 

(basic), with four-seater body, £829 

British purchase tax, £346 10s 10d 

Total (in Great Britain), £1,175 10s 10d 

Extras (with tax): 

Radio £34 

Heater £21 19s 2d. 

Overdrive £66 8s 2d 

Wire wheels £35 8s 4d 

Hard top £85 

ENGINE 

Capacity: 2,912 c.c. (177.7 cu. in.) 

Number of cylinders: 6 

Bore & Stroke: 83.36 x 88.9 mm (3.3 x 3.5 in) 

Valve gear: overhead valves & pushrods 

Compression ratio: 9.03 to 1 

B.H.P.: 124 @ 4,600 r.p.m. (B.H.P. per ton laden 97.4) 

Torque: 175 lb. ft. @ 3,000 r.p.m. 

M.P.H. per 1,000 r.p.m. on top gear 18.94 

M.P.H. per 1,000 r.p.m. on overdrive 23.1 

WEIGHT

(with 5 gals fuel): 22.5 cwt (2,513 lb) 

Weight distribution (per cent): F, 47.3; R, 52.7 

Laden as tested: 25.5 cwt (2,849 lb) 

Lb per c.c. (laden): 0.97 

BRAKES 

Type: Girling, disc front, drum rear 

Method of operation: hydraulic 

Drum dimensions: R, 11 in diameter, 2.25 in wide 

Disc diameter: F, 11.25 in 

Swept area: F, 228 sq in.; R, 155.5 sq in.

(301.5 sq in per ton laden) 

TYRES

5.90–15 in. Dunlop Road Speed 

Pressures (lb per sq in): F, 20; R, 23 (normal)

F, 20; R, 26 (with full load) 

TANK CAPACITY

12 Imperial gallons 

Oil sump: 12 pints 

Cooling system: 20 pints 

TURNING CIRCLE

35 ft 0 in (L and R) 

Steering wheel turns (lock to lock): 2.75 

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 7 ft 8 in 

Track: F, 4ft 0.75 in; R, 4ft 2in 

Length (overall): 13ft 1.5in 

Height: 4ft 1in Width: 5ft 0.5in 

Ground clearance: 4.5in 

Frontal area: 16.7 sq ft (approx.) 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 volt; 57 amp-hour battery 

Head lamps: double-dip; 50-40 watt bulbs 

SUSPENSION

Front, independant w/ coil springs & wishbones,

stabilizing bar 

Rear, half-elliptic springs and Panhard rod 

PERFORMANCE

From rest through the gears to: 

30 M.P.H………………….3.5 sec 

50 M.P.H………………….8.0 sec 

60 M.P.H…………………11.4 sec 

70 M.P.H…………………14.3 sec 

80 M.P.H…………………18.9 sec 

90 M.P.H…………………24.8 sec 

100 M.P.H………………..32.8 sec 

Standing quarter mile, 17.9 sec. 

Top Speed, 114 M.P.H. 

FUEL ECONOMY

20.0 m.p.g. overall for 1200 miles

(14.12 litres per 100 km) 

Approx. normal range: 17-25 m.p.g.