Classic styling is never not cool...

[jon dee 500]

This car represents the epitome of British sports car design. It has a purity that cannot be matched by anything leaving the factory today. A true classic that has endured for sixty years and will still look good in another sixty years !!!

Video here... https://youtu.be/ze6MTz0fkmY

Cheers...

[Sammo 2544]

Was one of these at Caffeine and Classics in AKL on Sunday (along with 500 odd other beauties) - a stunning design - simplicity is best!

[jon dee 500]

2 hours ago, Sammo said:

 - a stunning design - simplicity is best!

Yusss... I think this car struck the perfect balance point to capture the true essence of what a sports car should be. There were a lot of other worthy contenders in the late fifties and sixties (MGA, AC ACE, XK150, Sunbeam, Triumph etc) but to me the Healey 3000 just put it together better, with that beautiful little hardtop being the icing on the cake

Running gear was derived from other existing and heavier Austin models to keep things simple, so no exotic or fragile mechanicals.  The bodywork refined and purposeful with long bonnet and short boot as a sports car should be, but without any quirky or outlandish design features to spoil the classic profile and age quickly. Lots of torque and enough power to have tail-happy fun. Enough space for two and an overnight bag... no attempt to pretend that this was a family friendly car !!!

If they could replicate this car today using the same design and parts sourcing philosophy, I would be first in line to put my money down

Cheers...

[Allanw 1071]

One of my neighbours has had quite a few of these over the years - I think he's only got one left now, but had 3 at one time.

The current one was a 1970's racecar, with a Valiant slant 6 in it!

The Austin motor sounded nicer though.

He also had a Valiant Charger that looked like new, a couple of "Rover" RV8's, an MGB convertible, I think there was an MGC at one point and at least 5 different Healeys at various times.

They REALLY are stunning cars, more so in the flesh, too!

[jon dee 500]

Your neighbour has impeccable taste

If that is an E39 six-pack Hemi stuffed in there that must be a handful on the track. As I am not a collector or investor, I personally have no problem with upgrading the drivetrain in classic cars so long as the outward appearance of the car is not changed. My interest is in the styling, and seeing these beautiful old cars doing what they were designed to do... be driven with enthusiasm !!! Some are rare and very valuable and I have nothing but admiration for owners who either drive, or allow others to drive them in  events such as the Goodwood Revival and Festival.

Cheers...

[Allanw 1071]

He purchased the car with the Valiant motor already in it, but the car had been crashed decades ago. The body is basically brand new now, all straight, new panels and painted nicely everywhere. It's a real credit to him - mostly done in the (massive) garage at home.

[jon dee 500]

Yes, I could see from the pic of the rebuild that the man was fastidious in his workmanship. It is one thing to maintain a perfect finish on the outside of a car, but when the same level of care and attention to detail is applied to the to the parts that will not be seen when the car is assembled, that is something else !!!  It is the hallmark of a true craftsman and enthusiast... someone who puts love into their work... and it shows

Cheers...

[Ghost Chip 188]

Stunning! Especially those wheels. What are they?

[jon dee 500]

16 hours ago, Ghost Chip said:

Stunning! Especially those wheels. What are they?

Austin Healey 3000 factory wires. Competition version was 72 spokes and the standard version was 60 spokes. It was wires or steelies in those days

Cheers...

[Ghost Chip 188]

I feel like they would suit e30s as well!

[jon dee 500]

https://www.daytonwirewheels.com/pdf/catalog_volume_92.pdf 

You could do it... Dayton still do the 72 wire classic lace familiar from old Jags etc. Personally I would stay away from the 100 spoke type that are commonly used on low riders. Unless of course if your E30 is a low rider

Cheers...