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.