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By
DAVID PIKE
In 1961 the Mark II version of the 3000 with vertical barred radiator,
reminiscent of the old 100 model, appeared. Mechanical changes were
minimal but power was increased from 92kW to 98.5kW through the use of
three SU carburettors which replaced the two used previously and minor
modifications to the camshaft. The Mark II had a relatively short life
but in late 1961 a revised gearbox was fitted to the car as occurred
with all other BMC cars using the C Series engine.
By the middle of 1962 the 3000 experienced its only styling
facelift during its eight-year production life. No changes were
made to the actual body shape but wind-up windows replaced the
sidescreens which were previously fitted and the hood was modified
so that it could be stowed away when not in use. By introducing
these changes the 3000 became more like a drop-head coupe rather
than the austere roadster it had been and these changes certainly
broadened the car's appeal. Later in its life the engine was
returned to the two carburettor layout and a revised camshaft
design was employed.
The 3000's C Series engine was a six-cylinder model with a 9:1
compression ratio and a displacement of 2912ccs. It had a box
frame chassis with independent wishbone and coil suspension at the
front and half elliptic springs at the rear. Hydraulic brakes were
employed with discs at the front.
By 1967 demand had begun to fall away. Around that same time
American safety regulations were about to be introduced and to
meet them would have required considerable redesign and rebuilding
of the 3000. The effect of these occurrences meant that the Austin
Healey 3000 came to the end of its very distinguished line and the
model ceased production at the end of 1967. In total 42,924 models
of the Big Healey were built from 1959 to 1967.
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