Austin Healey 3000 mk3 - a British 60s sports car (Big Healey)

[@drwho534]

The Austin-Healey, one of my all-time favorites and Steph looks smashing behind the wheel !

[@mothmagic1]

And mine. A type I've always wanted to own but never managed.

[@chrispenn715]

Pat Moss (Stirling's sister) was a very successful rally driver. She drove Triumphs and Minis and she won the Liege Rome Liege rally in a Big Healey.

[@martinclapton2724]

She married Eric Carlsson too, another rally driver who drove Saabs

[@bobgodwin9927]

Many cars did not have windscreen washers or reverse light or radio and were fitted by owners

[@martinclapton2724]

Open top 1960s sports car , hood down in the beautiful New Forest , what’s not to like. Wonderful, Steph .

[@rogerking7258]

"A world of bloated SUVs" - Well said. Mind you as the owner of a Frogeye, I think the 3000 is bloated. Steering wise, the Frogeye has rack and pinion (from the Morris Minor) and there is zero play in it at all.

[@pradohealey3000]

Blasphemy! The Big Healey's are the only Healey's lol

[@Gerk8]

What a glorious sound it makes!

[@joeseeking3572]

The Mark III may have been the ultimate development of this model, but in terms of tech, it was - like most (but certainly not all) British cars brought to America, a bit too firmly rooted in the past by the mid-late 60's. Whereas the 100 was more current for its time and if a bit more raw, also rather more satisfactory. Let alone the 100M if you were lucky enough to have found and afforded one.

[@paulchappell]

Wonderful! The 3000 mk3 has always been one of my favourite British sports cars. Thank you for the great review.

[@bertiewooster3326]

The mk11a is better and the best of the bunch.

[@tomhollandroberts1737]

@@bertiewooster3326 Yes, Iv'e got one.

[@deemdoubleu]

Straight off, it's a beautiful machine.

[@michaeltrivett2872]

One of my favourite sports cars of all time ,but I have never driven one and from your description it sounds like it lives up to its reputation.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I owned a 1959 model, 100-6 back in the late 1960s...This model shown was the last of the Big Healeys...I prefer the older-style dash, with the larger Smith gauges. But the 64-67 years did have more power 150hp was decent for the day. My older model only had 120 hp...but it still had that rorty, masculine sounding exhaust note! I am old now, but still remember how cool my 59 was!

[@kevinbartram5302]

Why would you want a stereo with that glorious engine note to listen to?

[@Onepercent28]

It’s so relaxing watching your uploads, a rare reality in the world of RUclips 🙌🏼

[@danieleregoli812]

OMG what an amazing video this is Steph! The big Healey is such an icon...❤..and you look absolutely stunning on such an open top classy motorcar!

[@chrispenn715]

Lovely car - best colour scheme for a Healey too.

[@user-ok1kw4rr3h]

It’s actually a 1950s car, the first edition of the big Healey (BN1?) was produced around 1953 I believe. They continued to be manufactured into the 1960s. Still quite interesting cars nevertheless, although not technically up to the minute. Most chassis and engine components came from more humble BMC models.

[@joycerichardson1810]

There is nothing like a big Healey! The looks, the sound...gorgeous car. Love the Healey blue over white.

[@2cartalkers]

This was my intro to British sports cars, a high school friend had one in British racing green, of course. To me it was just a wee bit smaller than a Jaguar without the panache of a Jag but all the great handling, looks and giver of smiles as a Jag. My first British sports car was a 1963 MG Midget which was a hoot to drive; small, agile, fuel sipping and easy to work on plus it was totally reliable. After that, I moved up to the MG big daddy, a 1964 "B". After that I went for broke and purchased a 1970 Jaguar XK-E that sported sedan wheels, yup sedan wheels. It was a "special order" vehicle. I preferred the sedan rims to relieve me of the hassle of cleaning the wire wheels and possibly having to "true." My OCD kicked in, I guess?

[@reelreeler8778]

Windshield (windscreen) washers on 1960's American cars were usually not found or else an option on low priced cars, and standard only on more expensive "luxury" cars. Got to test drive a used RHD 3000 mk3 once when I was a young man. It was black with red inserts and 100% absolutely gorgeous, of course I couldn't afford to buy it, but at least got to test drive it a little bit. Love your classic car videos, thanks so much.

[@gregscally5119]

Impressive driving, Steph. Great road test and I loved your face image in the mirror.

[@paulchenery8013]

Love the big Healeys, and you are great at giving us the details of these cars.

[@oxfamshop]

What a really fantastic car . It sounds great

[@briforks7681]

I think the donkey wanted a bigger role in your video.

[@Onepercent28]

😂

[@baystgrp]

My first car was a ‘67 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII, FOB Norfolk, VA $3200. Fabulous machine.

[@drd6416]

Always loved these.. the proportions are gorgeous...and that engine is one of the best this side of Jags tge same era...

[@kevingreen8581]

Very informative and relaxing to watch. Thanks Steph.

[@KutWrite]

In 1971 I bought a used '69 Porsche 912 and a friend bought one of these.. My car handled better, was better constructed and was faster, but I couldn't take my eyes off his car. It was simply beautiful.
I enjoyed this refresher with such a pretty British lady. The horses were fun, too.

[@johnscarsandstuff]

I've done a fair bit of driving in a similar Big Healey. Overdrive wasn't standard and the car I drove didn't have it. I think it would be nice to have OD as it can feel a bit fussy at speed. I don't recall "my" Healey having as much play in the steering, so maybe that car needs a little adjustment? For all its reputation as a hairy-chested sports car, I've always thought that the 3000 was very easy to drive. It's definitely one of my favourite cars.

[@markbrocklehurst6129]

Nothing beats classic wind in the hair driving

[@mothmagic1]

Especially on a sunny day in that scenery or on the sea front somewhere.

[@kofthebaskervilles]

This car is one of the most beautiful british cars ever made. Cheers! from washington state.

[@gzilbers]

Hello Steph, I grew up in New York City in the 1960's. To answer you question about windshield (windscreen) washers in America before the mid-1960's: No, they were not a standard feature/fitment on American cars until well into the 1960's. So it makes sense that Austin Healey would mention that feature in their brochures. Just to give a flavor to the times, many American cars had vacuum operated windshield/screen wipers until well into the 1960's, and the brochures for those made sure to mention that electric wipers were available as options. When electric wipers eventually became standard, this was touted as a major new feature on those cars ! So, at least as far as these features are concerned, Europe was ahead of America at that time.

[@marley2591]

Windscreen washers were not fitted to many cars in the sixties or even seventies. Many accessory manufacturers sold after market kits to add them to your car, some were a manual pump some luxury ones were electric.

[@richardhill6125]

Back in the early to mid 60s, my Dad had a 60 or 61 that had this very same color combination. I was a youngster at the time and could fit in the little seats in the back during road trips. A pillow and a blanket was all I needed for a comfy ride to Grandma's house. We lived in Wichita, Kansas at the time which had quite a growing sports car movement going on. But we were the odd family on our block. Everyone else had big American family cars. I loved riding along in the front seat next to my Dad when he would get the Healey out on the highway to "blow the carbs out" and break a few speed limits! Sadly, he sold it just before I was getting ready to learn to drive. I loved that car!!

[@Willie-tf7zr]

Cruising with the top down and the wind in your hair, is definitely something you can't experience in an over bloated suv. That is a beautiful car.

[@johndrake2729]

Lovely car with a lovely color scheme. It suits you, Steph.

[@bondbug73]

Nice car set in nice surroundings. Another matching outfit success too Steph.

[@user-cn6re9jr1t]

A bit of time goes into the outfit coordination.

[@cabbepe]

My! What a nice motor sound!

[@ghw7192]

My favorite .British sports car after the E Type Jaguar! Great review, Ms Stephanie!

[@CortinasAndClassics]

I have always had a soft spot for the Heally.
It sounds fantastic Steph.

[@eggweed_productions]

Lovely car and nice safe driving round my part of the world!

[@nigelh4617]

Here for the exhaust note. Not disappointed.

[@smitmachinale8281]

The Austin Healey 3000 mk3 is the most beautiful sports car in my mind! and in this 2 tone colour! Thanks for showing.

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello Steph, what a great review of this iconic car!! Great place to do a test run! best wishes from Lincolnshire.

[@davidperrott5743]

I remember seeing that in the background a few weeks ago and wondering when the video would show up!

[@daviemaclean61]

Minor Traveller to AH 3000. ;-) Great variety on this channel. Cheers

[@compo308]

I like it. Sounds incredible.

[@MarkJVSomers]

Totally spot-on comments about modern cars.

[@mothmagic1]

One of my all time favourite cars.

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Fantastic video Steph, great review and the car really suits you

[@D...M...A...]

woo hoo , Steph video ...

[@Phiyedough]

Although that was a '60s example it is really a '50s car. The Austin Healey 100 was introduced in 1953.

[@stuarthannay3370]

That was a great video. The rear view mirror position that shows you talking whilst you drive was excellent.

[@charlesyoungblood1402]

We had the Windshield Washers at extra cost . You needed them with this diverse American Weather.

[@user-wh8xi7io1f]

Keep it up, nice video I'm looking forward to next Sunday to see what you show us then

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

An excellent review Steph as always.
Looking glamorous driving this Steph.

[@stephenricketts7764]

The big Healeys always sound great, almost as good as a V8! The two tone paint looks so good on this one and a nice colour too. I would think that it would be fairly easy to swap the steering from LHD to RHD as the centre of the dashboard is symmetrical so just get a different glove box front and clock panel. Thanks for a great review Steph.

[@kevinbartram5302]

lovely car reported on by possibly the loveliest lady on you tube today.

[@sporkfindus4777]

I agree with Steph's views on leaving animals be in the New Forest, and everywhere actually

[@parne1978]

Great video Steph I will bump into you one day lol I’m always cycling around the beauliea area

[@martinihrck2704]

Amazing car thanks Steph!

[@pagegreer5081]

Its i classicly beautiful in design and appearance.

[@patrickh7368]

This is a true story. A friend I used to work with had a 3.0 Healey as his 1st car, his dad drove it back , he followed in a Minor, completely left behind by miles by his Dad! Back home he had a grumble at driving his car at 80+ mph etc… he looked surprised and said…I never exceeded 40..! After a few exchanges it was determined that his dad was reading the speed from the revcounter, something he hadn’t been used to on a dashboard 🤣🤣🤣

[@kevinbartram5302]

I had a similar experience when I bought a Honda C.B.R 1,000 as I was riding it home doing 70 down the motorway in top gear and I thought the rev counter was broken bimbleing around at the low end of it's scale I opened the throttle wide at 70 it gripped the road, tried to pull my arms off and the world went backwards. It's amazing when you get your first taste of real power.

[@Thereishope664]

Lovely review of a great British car. And how quintessential English to have donkeys in the car park.

[@paulqueripel3493]

It's the New Forest, donkeys and horses roaming free.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

😀

[@shieldaigbencher]

You really suit that car!

[@charlesyoungblood1402]

We love our Healy 3000s here in 🇺🇸

[@Vincent-ow9lj]

Wow, that car is as impressive as Stephs wardrobe 🙂

[@DaveJudd]

Its called the big Healey because its the 100/6 3000 the 100/4 2.6 was the smaller I think.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Great review 😊

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

Great video Steph! I love the Austin Healey 3000, they're such stunning little roadsters. Full confession, I was so excited to see the donkey too because I love them as well!

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Wow, beautiful car. Fab presentation, thank you Steph.
(Can we get Rich to dress as elegantly and sympathetically as you do?)

[@LMarkFinch]

I had a 1966 300 Mk III. There was one overdrive switch on the dash and another on the gearshift lever so all you had to do to engage or disengage the OD when the dash switch was on was slap the stick. This could be quite satisfying - as an example, when my roommate was driving my car on the Interstate (I’m in the U.S.) in overdrive and an American muscle car pulled up and challenged him, he simply slapped the stick, stepped on the accelerator, and pulled away.

[@timallen3338]

Great video, Enjoy the style. Thx Steph.

[@allanmollison6971]

Lovely car 😊👍

[@auntbarbara5576]

Hello Steph!
Good Sunday morning ya'll. Betrer weather foe this one. Dream car 😉

[@johnbenson2919]

Without doubt my favourite British sportscar of that era.

[@tomhollandroberts1737]

The 'Big' Healey's should have been fitted with the preferable rack and pinion steering.

[@joescola7498]

My father owned one when he met my mom in the early 60s. They were from the Boston area. My father said he could outrun corvettes on windy roads in the area. Dads was blue and white too. The car is long gone but mom talks about it from time to time.

[@johnd8892]

Overstating the 2912cc motor as a 3000 and as a 3.0 in the comments is puzzling how they got away with it. Weights ans measures had standards for most things purchased.

[@davidcooks5265]

If you was going to the biggest number it should be 2,9

[@michaeltutty1540]

What a glorious car thr is. It looks like the front end needs some attention. It shojld not have that much play in it.
My mother's first car was a 1954 Hillman Mynx. It did not have windscreen washers fitted. Her 1958 Vauxhall Velox did have them. They were not mandated as standard equipment in Canada until 1971! Surprise. Our 72 Dodge Dart had washer activated by a foot pump. Early VWs had them using air presure frim tge spare tire to propel the washer fluid.

[@itsmelampoi]

Donkey - "its a classic"

[@hectorshouse7348]

Stunning

[@cambridgemart2075]

The intake setup on that doesn't look standard, the C series originally fitted to the Healey had carbs bolted directly to the head, but that engine has an alloy inlet manifold. The engine is more like the last version of the C series, as fitted to the MGC, although many aspects do look like Healey, such as the rocker cover. I wonder how much of that has to do with it being a US spec vehicle originally?

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Excellent video as always thank you. I wonder too if the top speed varies due to being a US export and using taller or shorter rear end gear ratios. I did find though there are two different rear end ratios depending on which transmission you got. The 4 speed cars received 3.545:1 and the ones with electric overdrive by Normanville was 3.909:1.

[@MartysWhiteSuit]

Excellent car. Really one of my absolute favourites. I once rented a cottage and discovered it was on the finishing line of a classic car rally. All makes and models, but, afterwards, most people were crowded round the Healeys'. I took a lot of photos, maxed out three cameras.

[@mikecleasby709]

Fantastic episode Steph!
A back-to-back with an AC Ace would have been an interesting comparison 😊

[@RussCook-kn7rb]

Great video, Steph 👍

[@zippy5131]

British straight sixes have an amazing sound, that burble. Who needs a radio when you've a sountrack like that. Someone asked me does my radio work, never turned it on, sooner listen to the engine and exhaust note. I did say it was an eight track.... six pots and two exhausts.

[@mr-wx3lv]

Lovely car. And nicely laid out dash as well. The Brits made some fabulous cars back in the day..

[@idriveaclassic]

Couldn't agree more!

[@graemew7001]

I was lucky enough to get to drive one of these when I worked in a classic car garage and that engine is sublime, so much torque that you could be lazy and let it drive itself. The way to adjust the column is (watch the video), there's a ring behind the wheel with grooves in it, you turn that to free it off and then adjust and lock it into position by turning the opposite way, similar to an E Type Jag. I'm full of random info like that 😁

[@saikumarkhan]

i like all old British made cars 🙂🙂🇬🇧🇬🇧🚗🚗

[@iansutherlandcraig]

Great video. They could tighten the steering box up a bit. Mine’s not that sloppy.

[@roygardiner2229]

I like this car a lot as an English classic. But, contrary to the opinion of some here, I think the MGA is a prettier car.

[@Vince_uk]

Class Steph Total Class.

[@chrispenn715]

I think wiindscreen washers were only made mandatory in the UK in the 1960s. I remember as a kid that my parents had to get them retro fitted to a car when the law changed

[@charlesyoungblood1402]

Oversteer / understeer was part of the fun of driving these . American Cars were just as bad .

[@philldodds1482]

The Sprigits are fun but the big Healeys are fun in another class. One of my dear old friends has a 100/4 in maroon and a 3000 the same colour.

[@peterriggall8409]

Beautiful Steph. Way more desirable than an MG but probably worth a lot more too.

[@gunner18far]

I HAD A 1965 HEALY !! MY FAVORITE CAR !!

[@lesklower7281]

A luxury sports car and l door like the glove box lid is veneered on both sides classy and your coment you wouldn't drivethe Austin Healy over 70mph l wouldn't either

[@horsenuts1831]

Probably the best-looking British sports car ever made (the E-Type is a grand tourer).

[@markwilson7788]

It's odd that more were not sold in the UK given so many of us would say it is our favourite car of all time.