Austin Healey 1961

Great Britain

3000 (BN7/BT7) roadster – discontinued
3000 Mk II (BN7/BT7) roadster - new model
Sprite roadster (R4 cyl, 948 cm³, 43 KM) – discontinued in April. 38.999 were made.
Sprite Mk II roadster (R4 cyl, 948 cm³, 47 KM) - new model 

October '60 advert.

Austin-Healey Sprite Mk II Sports replaced the Mk I 'Frog eye' in the spring. Although retaining the four-cylinder, 948-cc, ohv engine, albeit with a number of modifications which give increased power output, it feature a new rectangular, squared-up body with conventionally positioned headlamps, rectangular mesh radiator grille and opening boot lid. Top speed is in the region of 85-90 mph and average fuel consumption an impressive 35-40 mpg.

Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II Sports differ from the superseded Mk I mainly by a restyled radiator grille and modifications to the engine, including a new camshaft, stronger valve springs, and the adoption of triple carburettors, which increase the power output to 130 bhp at 4750 rpm. Top speed of this two/four-seater is an impressive 120 mph plus; however, limited ground clearance restricts its manoeuvrability.

Sprite and 3000 Mk I. March American advert.

Sprite

Sprite

3000 Mk II

3000 Mk II (BT7)

3000

Optional hardtop 

Sprite Mk II

Sprite Mk II

Sprite Mk II

Sprite at 12h Sebring.

Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite; chassis #AN547399, engine: Austin 994 cc.; John K. Colgate Jr. / Paul Hawkins; Donald Healey Motor Co Ltd.; 24h Le Mans; retired at 23h 52min.

Austin-Healey 3000, chassis #HBN10339, engine: Austin 2.912 cc. (John Bekaert / Dickie Stoop) by Ecurie Chiltern at Le Mans.

Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite, chassis #AN547402, engine: Austin 994 cc.; Ninian Sanderson / Bill McKay; Ecurie Ecosse; 24h Le Mans.

Austin-Healey 3000, chassis #RN422881, engine: Austin 2.912 cc.; Jim Clark / Trevor Taylor; Cambridge Racing; 24h Le Mans; reserve entry.