1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I (BT7) Rally Specification
A 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7, originally dispatched to Paris and subsequently shipped to Canada for the Canadian Winter Rally, this car returned to the United Kingdom in the 1980s and was acquired by historic rally champion Paul Howcroft. He commissioned noted specialist Bob Brain to carry out an extensive rebuild encompassing a conversion to right-hand drive, aluminium bodywork, a competition-prepared engine with triple Weber carburettors, and a full roll-cage, resulting in a well-developed historic rally and fast-road competitor.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £56,000 (≈ $70K)
- 1961 →Factory deliveryOriginal Paris-based recipientpartial documentation
Car was delivered new to Paris in 1961 and shortly afterwards was shipped to Canada for rally competition.
- 1961 →Acquisition unknownCanadian owner or operatornone documentation
Vehicle was sent to Canada later in 1961 to contest the Canadian Winter Rally; subsequent Canadian ownership details are not recorded.
- Date unknownPrivate salePaul Howcroftpartial documentation
Well-regarded historic rally champion who acquired the car after its return to the UK in the 1980s and commissioned a full rebuild by Bob Brain, including a right-hand-drive conversion and extensive competition preparation.
Competition
- 1961Canadian Winter Rally
Car was shipped to Canada from Paris specifically to take part in this event shortly after production.
- —Various historic rally eventsDriver: Paul Howcroft
The car was campaigned over a number of years in historic rallying with considerable success following its rebuild.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationBob Brain
Comprehensive rebuild carried out at the direction of Paul Howcroft after the car's return to the UK; work included conversion from left- to right-hand drive, aluminium body panels finished in BMC Competition Racing Green, a full roll-cage, an alloy-headed fast-road engine with triple Weber carburettors and a six-branch manifold, straight-cut Tulip gearbox, alloy fuel tank, all-round disc brakes, and Minilite knock-on wheels.
Bob Brain is described as a renowned specialist in historic rally preparation. The rebuild produced the car substantially as it exists at the time of the catalogue.
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