1959 | Austin Healey 3000 MKI

Finished in Healey Blue on Ivory two-tone with Navy Blue interior, this rare numbers matching MKI BN7 is one of only 68 right hand drive two-seater cars to be produced in 1959. The MKI two-seat cars were notably produced for race and rally homologation with this model winning the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally of 1959, the 1961 Coupes Des Alpes Rally (as driven by Stirling Moss) and entering Le Mans in 1960.

This particular car had been subjected to a previous poor attempt at restoration. Although much rust was removed, the quality of the metalwork repair undertaken was extremly poor requiring major chassis and body repairs with poor fitment throughout.

The car was totally stripped, the chassis and panels were shot blasted using media tailored to each surface so as to preserve panel shape. The chassis was (once repaired) additionally strengthened to improve the ride, handling and the composure of the car.

To ensure excellent panel fitment our metalworkers spent hundreds of hours to ensure all gaps across the car are small as possible yet consistent, with doors which shut softly and that all shapes and surfaces are well formed. This requires continuous fitting and unfitting of all panels with great alteration of panels to achieve a high standard of finish.

Once chassis and bodywork was completed, over 300 hours were spent painting the car from bare metal with multiple layers of high build and etch primers before 9 coats of base and clear were painted, flatted down to 2000 grade and machine compounded to a full gloss. It is the multiple layers of primer, additional seam sealing and high quality of paints we use which ensures our restorations last. We strive to achieve the highest level of finish with no unsightly ‘rippling’ across the surface of panels as seen on poor quality jobs with our work instead displaying a clean, deep and glass-like finish which shows the contours of the car as best possible.

The engine was stripped down, chemically clean then fully rebuilt to our upgraded Rawles Motorsport ‘Fast Road’ specification with a 30% increase in power and torque made more accessible through a broader spectrum of the rev-range. This includes our specially developed fast flow manifold and sports side exhaust, both of which greatly increase performance without compromising comfort. The engine is fully balanced, has an uprated camshaft, unleaded conversion and much more.

Our leather artisans hand-made the complete interior of 5 LBP using high quality Navy Blue leather hide and Blue Wilton carpet to fully re-trim the car to the original design and pattern. In addition, thermal insulation has been added to the interior to reduce cockpit heat.

All our restorations (unless concours required) include basic upgrades to improve the longevity and reliability of the cars. This car also features many upgrades from our ‘Rawles Revival’ range which either improve the dynamic performance and roadholding capabilities of the cars or add further refinement. Provided serviced and with heritage certificate of authenticity.

• Strengthened Chassis
• Rawles Motorsport Fast Road Engine (30% increase in power and torque, inc. alternator conversion & cooling upgrades)
• Full leather interior (original seats were half leather with vinyl trim panels
• Thermal Insulation in cockpit
• Side Exhaust
• Mohair Hood & Tonnea