1961 Austin-Healey 3000 MKll BT7

A very nice Austin-Healey 1961 3000 MKll BT7

In May of 1961 BMC upgraded their flagship model with three SU HS4 carburetors, modified valve springs and a new camshaft. Called the MKII, it was an alternative to the Triumph TR3A or Jaguar E-Type.

The MKII was initially offered as an occasional 4-seat roadster called the BT7 or the 2-seat variant from known as the BN7. Both versions used flat front windscreens and detachable side curtains in the style of a roadster. The rear panel of the BT7 was cut out much deeper towards the trunk to make room of the small jumper seats in the rear. As a result, almost all the road race and rally cars were built on the BN7 platform.

Later cars came equipped with a center-located top-loader transmission and a fiberglass transmission tunnel. Of these the BN7, top-loader is an especially rare and desirable combination.

Like the earlier 3000s, the MKII featured BMC’s C-Series six-cylinder engine with a 4-speed + overdrive gearbox. It used a separate ladder-type frame and a steel body.

Production of the MKII BN7 was very limited to only 355 cars. The BT7 4-seat roadster vastly outsold it at 5,096 units. A BT7 with hardtop and overdrive cost 1362 including the hefty British taxes.

MKII configuration changed significantly in 1962 with the introduction of the BJ7 Sports Convertible. It replaced both models with a fully-collapsible soft top, wind-up windows and a curved front window. This modernized the car substantially and the BJ7 is more desirable as a touring car.

Options on the MKII included 15×4 chromed wire wheels, a brake servo system and a tonneau cover that could be opened for just the driver.