Donald Healey, engineer and former rally driver, had a vision of an affordable 100 MPH sports car that would fill a gap between the Jaguar XK120 and the cheap and cheerful MGs. The Austin-Healey 100 of 1952 fit the bill perfectly. Over the years, the hairy-chested sports car acquired welcome refinement, along with additional power. In its ultimate form, the 3000 of 1959—the “Big Healey,” as it was familiarly known—gained its largest engine, the 2912cc straight-6, and front disc brakes. However, even in this version, there was significant evolution. The 132 HP 3000 MkII roadster could achieve 115 MPH, and in 1962, the BJ7 2+2 seater MkIIA convertible, as seen here, acquired wind-up windows in place of the primitive leaky side screens, a curved windscreen with opening quarterlights, and a true convertible folding soft top that stowed neatly in cabriolet style—a huge improvement on the earlier effort. Healey could now truthfully designate the model as a “sports convertible.” The MkIIA BJ7 also reverted to twin SU carburetors in place of the earlier short-lived triple carburetor set, which was difficult to set up and keep in tune. This 1963 BJ7 features overdrive, which adds flexibility to the 4-speed manual transmission and makes for more relaxed high- speed cruising. Interestingly, it appears to have been originally delivered to Iceland in May 1963, where the folding soft top must have been much appreciated, but was undoubtedly more in its element in California, where its documentation records one owner on the original pink slip. Moreover, it has covered just 100 miles since the completion of an extensive nut-and- bolt restoration, with the body panels and exterior stripped and refinished in its attractive Healey Blue over Ivory White livery. Along with weather seals, where necessary, elements of the chrome work and trim have also been replaced, including door handles, mirrors and light assemblies. It’s clear that the guiding principle of the restoration was to produce a car that pleasingly presents to factory specification, rather than a pastiche of the red-and-white factory competition cars. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that the Big Healey acquitted itself with distinction in motor sport as a famously tough and formidable rally weapon, most notably with a Big Healey winning the car-breaking 1960 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally with Stirling Moss’s sister, Pat, at the wheel.
